Producer | Horsepower |
Country | United States |
Region | Washington |
Subregion | Columbia Valley |
Varietal | Syrah |
Vintage | 2014 |
Sku | 51820 |
Size | 1.5L |
The self-nourishing interrelationship of earth, plants and animals has been central to vigneron Christophe Baron’s farming philosophy ever since he pioneered biodynamic farming methods in the Walla Walla Valley in 2002. Like Cayuse Vineyards, Horsepower is farmed according to an astrological sowing and planting calendar, and entirely without the use of herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, chemical insecticides or fungicides. Six draft horses, cultivate vineyards ranging from 3,555 to 4,840 vines per acre with as little as 3' x 3' spacing—planted 1 vine per stake, or “sur echalas” in French. This 3 acre Syrah vineyard is planted one vine per stake. Spacing is 3.5 feet by 3.5 feet, totaling 3,555 vines per acre.
From a site that's next to En Chamberlin that's planted with a 4x4 spacing (the Sur Echalas is 3x3), the 2014 Syrah The Tribe Vineyard offers more fruit (blackberry, black cherry) as well as beautiful notes of violets, rose petal, pepper and earth. Fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged in neutral puncheons, this full-bodied beauty has fine tannin, juicy acidity and a great finish. It's in direct contrast to the more masculine, meaty, umami style of the Sur Echalas Vineyard. Give it 2-3 years and it too will be long lived! Anticipated Maturity: 2019-2039