2018 Reserve Release
We are thrilled to announce the release of our premier wines in the Gramercy portfolio – 2018 Syrah “John Lewis” Reserve and the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. To say the 2018 vintage is exceptional would be an understatement. It is a near-perfect vintage, rivaling 2005 and 2012. These are world class wines that can be cellared for the long term.
If you would like to hear Greg and Brandon’s thoughts on the reserve wines and the vintage, as well as the 2021 vintage, join us via Zoom on Tuesday, February 8th at 5:30pm PST. We will send a Zoom link to anyone purchasing reserve bottles between now and then.
2018 John Lewis Syrah
As always, we made the 2018 John Lewis Syrah from the best of our Syrah barrels. Like many past vintages, this is a single vineyard cuvee from the famed Les Collines Vineyard in the foothills of the Blue Mountains in Walla Walla. Specifically from Block 46 in the middle of the slope was the star, creating one of the best versions of John Lewis to date. The sample bottle used for tasting disappeared amazingly fast while writing the tasting notes. The morning hangover, not as fast…
It’s deep, dark, exotic and more serious than past vintages. Notes of blue and black fruit, damp earth, meat, and pepper. On the nose – orange peel, clove and Provence herbs. Rich and ripe on the palate but beautifully balanced at 13.0% alcohol.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: 95 Points
“Devastatingly gorgeous and refined, the 2018 Syrah John Lewis… is clearly one of the great Syrahs coming from the Walla Walla Valley; if you are not familiar with this wine, you should absolutely check it out. Honestly, I just want to keep smelling my glass. Bravo!” – Anthony Mueller
Retail: $85 – MTA Club Price: $72.25
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Our 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon “Reserve” is again a blockbuster. Like the John Lewis, it is a selection from the best barrels in our cellar. We took a slight detour with the 2018 Reserve Cabernet in a couple ways. First, we added a bit of Estate fruit to the blend. The 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon comprises 52% Bacchus Block 9, 34% Phinny Hill Old Block and 14% Walla Walla Estate fruit. While we loved the typical Bacchus vs Phinny Hill blend, this wine went from outstanding to exceptional with a bit of Walla Walla fruit, adding aromatic complexity and depth in the mid palate of the wine.
This is truly a Cabernet lover’s dream that will last for decades in the cellar. We recently poured the 2012 for a charity event and it was stunningly beautiful. We believe the 2018 is a better wine.
Wine & Spirits: 94 Points
“Here is a showstopper. This big-shouldered cabernet from Bacchus, with a contribution from old blocks at Phinny Hill, is broad and powerful even as it shows a kind of savory restraint, mushroom, bramble and a deep panoply of berry fruits. All of this is driven by firm and controlled acidity, which combines with dusty tannins for a vinous, grippy finish. It’s got a long life ahead of it; cellar.” – Patrick J. Comiskey
Retail: $95 – MTA Club Price: $80.75
As a token of our appreciation, we are offering waived ground shipping for any purchases $400 or above instead of a case. Thank you so much for all your support, and we hope to see you soon at Four Eleven Wines in Seattle or the winery in Walla Walla.
PICKING UP IN WALLA WALLA:
If you have selected the pick up option, the wines will be ready anytime. If you’d like to stay and taste, we are by appointment only so please make one before your arrival!
PICKING UP IN SEATTLE:
If you are planning on picking up at Four Eleven, please make sure you have noted that on your purchase or contact us. Four Eleven is open for walk-ins or appointments. If you haven’t yet, check out our new spot!
SHIPPING:
Weather permitting, all orders will be processed and sent within 3 business days. Otherwise we will hold your purchase until conditions improve. If you have questions or specific date requirements regarding shipping, please note it in your purchase or contact us!
If you are shipping to a residence, you may want to consider shipping to a nearby Walgreens or Dollar General. FedEx has partnered with both nationwide for pickups. They will sign for the package and hold it for 5 days.
Questions? Contact us via phone at 509-876-2427 or email info@gramercycellars.com.
