2019 Vintage Reserve Wine Release

We are proud to announce the release of our premier wines in the Gramercy portfolio: 2019 Syrah “John Lewis” Reserve and the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon “Reserve.” These are incredible wines – the best of the best in our cellar, intended for long-term cellaring or an extensive decant. To celebrate the release of the reserve wines, we are offering waived ground shipping for any purchases $400 or above for the next three weeks.

We are not averse to trying young wines – for pure enjoyment or to see where they are going. For most wines, a two-hour decant is perfect. But there is another “secret somm” method that works particularly well. About 24 hours before you want to drink the wine, pull the cork and put it right back into the bottle. It only needs a few seconds open. That little bit of air will work magic in 24 hours, accelerating aromatic and flavor development several years.

The 2019 vintage in Washington State is a “Gramercy Vintage” or a vintage that is somewhat on the cooler side. The winter was frigid, and bud break started late. The summer was slightly cooler than usual. Most importantly, September is the critical month of harvest. Hot Septembers accelerate ripening stratospherically. Cool September? Winner winner chicken dinner. In 2019, September started cool, and the weather never really warmed up. Although it’s a bit warmer than, say 2010 or 2011, this is a fantastic vintage for lovers of more balanced wines.

2019 Syrah “John Lewis” Reserve

We made the 2019 John Lewis Syrah from the best of our Syrah barrels. Like many past vintages, this is a single vineyard cuvée from the famed Les Collines Vineyard in the foothills of the Blue Mountains in Walla Walla. Specifically, from our favorite location, Block 46, lying in the middle of the slope with perfect terroir.

The 2019 John Lewis Syrah is a monumental wine. For those with patience issues, this wine already drinks well but will age a long, long time.

Jeb Dunnuck: 96+ Points

“Even better, the 2019 Syrah John Lewis comes all from the Les Collines Vineyard in Walla Walla and is 100% Syrah that was just 10% destemmed and spent 17 months in 10% new French oak as well as a Stockinger foudre. This ruby/purple-hued beauty offers beautiful plum and blackberry fruits as well as notes of ground pepper, lavender, roasted herbs, and hints of smoked meat. It’s rich, medium to full-bodied, has terrific balance, and enough structure to warrant 3-4 years of bottle age. It should have 2 decades of overall longevity and is another rock star effort from Brandon Moss and Greg Harrington.”

Retail: $95 I MTA Club Price: $80.75
Purchase HERE

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is spectacular. It’s a showcase of Phinny Hill vineyard this year, which comprises a large portion of the blend. As usual,  50-year-old Bacchus Vineyard complemented the blend making up the remainder of the wine, except for a small percentage of Loess Merlot from Walla Walla.

We had a bottle open for almost a week which got better and better with no signs of deterioration. Having this bottle open for that long without devouring it qualified as our Misogi Challenge for the year.

Dr. Owen Bargreen: 95 Points

“The gorgeous 2019 Gramercy Cellars ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon is another release from this illustrious Walla Walla house that really needs 1-2 hours in the decanter to fully evolve. Sourced from the Bacchus, Loess and Phinny Hill Vineyards, this spent 22 months in 45% new French oak before bottling and has 5% Merlot blended in. Once aroused, this leads with pencil lead and Crème de Violette aromas that combine with black cherry compote, freshly tilled soils and suggestions of espresso grounds. The palate is soft and inviting, with great poise and stuffing. Light dried herbal undertones and chocolate covered Arabica bean flavors combine with a rich core of dark fruits. Pillowy and soft on the mouth, this finishes very long with minerals and blackberry notes. Enjoy this beauty over the next fifteen plus years.”

Retail: $110 I MTA Club Price: $93.50
Purchase HERE