2017 Syrah
Tasting notes
Rich, deep, voluptuous. Uncanny richness and character from this classic vineyard. Showing layers of fruit, flowers, olives and earth. Salinity balances deftly with ripe black fruits and tobacco, milk chocolate and herbs.
A selection of preferred yeasts. Fermented in 1.5T fermenters. Short maceration (11 days on skins). Settled in tank for 3 days then aged in barrels for 17 months. Lightly oaked new American barrels. 1 year bottle age before release.
| Vintage | 2017 |
| Varietal | Syrah |
| Appellation | Columbia Valley |
| Vineyard | Hi-Valley - The Dalles, OR |
| Harvest Date | 10/13/2017 |
| PH | 5.4 |
| Residual Sugar | 0 |
| Alcohol | 14.00% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 03/21/2019 |
| Cases Produced | 220 |
Hi-Valley Vineyard is located in The Dalles, OR and managed by Joe Cushman. This vineyard has been the bedrock for JW’s Syrah and Merlot over the past 10 years. Originally developed by Dry Hollow vineyard—Brad’s first venture, which morphed into JW—this vineyard exhibits very unique fruit characters, unlike any other in the region: expansive fruit, cranberry nuances with a penchant for very big wines with great texture and mouthfeel. One of the standards that defines JW. Planted between 1999 and 2001 at 500 feet, adjacent to the Bailey family's Hi Valley cherry orchard. Although the temperature in The Dalles is typically hot and dry in the summer, this vineyard seems to stay uniquely cool for the area.
Peter Cushman was born and raised in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine country. After earning a degree in biology and chemistry at the University of Oregon in 2009, he decided to follow in his grandfather’s and father’s footsteps, becoming a third generation winemaker. Cushman moved to Hood River to assist his father at Viento, the family winery, situated in the promising Columbia Gorge wine region.
Cushman utilizes methods learned from nearly a decade of making wine in the Columbia Gorge, for some of the regions premier vineyards and wineries. Focusing on locally grown grapes and a natural, mindful approach to winemaking. Cushman has received worthy recognition from critics, including multiple gold medals and 90+ point –rated wines.
Peter joined Jacob Williams in 2017. With his experience and love for wine, as well as his young spirit, he brings a wonderful new and exciting energy to our team.
Cushman and his wife Sarah live in the Hood River valley with their daughter Marcela, and son Felix.
