{"product_id":"hors-categorie-categorie-syrah-2018-75-cl","title":"Hors Catégorie Categorie Syrah 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003eHors Catégorie ‘Categorie’ Syrah 2018 is one of Washington State’s most thrilling and scarce red wines, bottling the drama of an impossibly steep, stone-strewn vineyard into a single, powerful expression. Crafted in tiny quantities from a biodynamically farmed site perched on a 60° slope, it delivers intensity, precision and a sense of place that has captivated top critics. This 2018 vintage, lauded by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, stands as a benchmark Syrah from the USA, marrying Northern Rhône-inspired elegance with the wild energy of Washington’s frontier terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, this Syrah shows a deep, opaque garnet core with a violet rim, hinting at both concentration and youthful vibrancy. The nose is immediately seductive and layered: smoked lavender, black raspberry skin and dark plum reduction weave together with notes of hung game, black olive tapenade, cracked red and black peppercorns, and a subtle umami-driven savoriness.\n\nOn the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, exploding with flavor yet never feeling heavy. Expect a dynamic interplay of smoked cherry pie filling, spiced potpourri, tilled earth, worn leather and a faint touch of graphite. The tannins are fine-grained and silky, wrapped in a vibrant, mouthwatering acidity that keeps the richness in perfect balance. The finish is long, coiled and expressive, unfurling in waves of spice, dark fruit and savory complexity that invite repeated sips. Built for the long haul, this 2018 has the structure and concentration to age gracefully for 15–20 years from vintage, gaining even more nuance and tertiary complexity over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHors Catégorie’s Syrah is sourced from an extreme, terraced vineyard in Washington, planted on a dramatic 60° slope that forces low yields and deep root penetration. The stony, well-drained soils and marked diurnal temperature swings create an ideal setting for Syrah, concentrating flavor while preserving natural acidity. Farmed with a biodynamic philosophy since its inception, the site is worked by hand out of necessity, with careful selection of bunches at harvest to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy fruit makes it to the winery. Vinification is traditional and meticulous—often incorporating whole-cluster fermentation to enhance aromatic complexity and structure—followed by élevage in carefully chosen barrels that frame, rather than mask, the vineyard’s character. The result is a Syrah that speaks clearly of its rugged origin, with both power and refinement.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a characterful, gastronomic Syrah that shines alongside richly flavored, savory dishes. Think slow-braised lamb shanks with rosemary, grilled ribeye with charred vegetables, duck breast with cherry or plum glaze, game birds, or earthy lentil and mushroom stews. The wine’s peppery, floral and umami tones also play beautifully with dishes featuring black olives, tapenade, smoked meats or Provençal herbs. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to showcase its aromatic range; if opened young, decant for 1–2 hours to allow the wine to unwind and reveal its full depth. With additional bottle age, a shorter decant or a gentle slow-ox in the bottle will be sufficient to bring out its complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHors Catégorie is one of Washington State’s most talked-about small producers, conceived as a singular project dedicated to expressing an extraordinary, almost impossibly steep vineyard site. Located in Washington and shaped by a philosophy deeply influenced by the great terroirs of the Northern Rhône, the estate focuses on Syrah, harnessing meticulous, biodynamic farming to capture purity and tension in the glass. Its tiny production—often under 2,000 bottles per vintage—has quickly made Hors Catégorie a cult name among collectors and Syrah enthusiasts. With rave reviews from leading critics and a reputation for crafting wines of both power and finesse, Hors Catégorie has cemented its status as one of the most compelling voices in Washington’s modern wine landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hors Catégorie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54252387926353,"sku":"PS-8027507720392","price":412.58,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/horsi.png?v=1783444436","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/hors-categorie-categorie-syrah-2018-75-cl","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}