This year’s Judgment of Geyserville was all about Syrah and consistent Umpqua Valley Syrah Producer Stephen M. Reustle receives another Gold Medal for his 2013 Syrah Reserve. Already noted as the 2015 Six Nations Wine Challenge Syrah Champion for his 2012 Syrah, Reustle’s 2013 Syrah Reserve represented Oregon well, winning Gold in Geyserville.
The judges selected three wines to represent each of the four different regions, 12 in all, to compete in a blind tasting. Well-respected Syrah producers from California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia were selected to present their Syrah specifically chosen by the judges for this competition. Owner/Winemaker, Stephen M. Reustle stated, “To be invited to participate is quite an honor. These wine professionals are well respected throughout the wine community; you know you are already a winner when they choose your wine to compete.” Stephen continued, “When only 12 wines are selected to represent the four western states (providences), and you emerge from them with a GOLD Medal – you know your wine has done well.”
Concerning Reustle’s Syrah, wine writer, and judge Ellen Landis noted,
“Here is a sophisticated, finely textured Syrah. Dark berry and underlying gamey notes intrigue from the first whiff. Layers of roasted meat, blackberry, dark chocolate, licorice and earthiness join splendid acidity, creating a kaleidoscope of flavors on the palate. A precise balance and firm tannins carry this gem to a memorable finish.”
Mike Dunne commented that Reustle, Oregon’s only Gold medal winner, was “… lean, oaky and sweetly fruity…” he continued, “The strong showing of the entire field speaks to the authority of syrah from cooler climates throughout the West Coast. In short, if you want a syrah more likely to please than to disappoint, look for one from a relatively cool setting…”
Wine Columnist and judge Andy Perdue noted Reustle’s Syrah as one of the three to try in his Seattle Times article about the Judgment of Geyserville. In his review on Great NW Wine page Andy said, “Stephen Reustle is not only representing Southern Oregon as one of its best winemakers, but also the entire West Coast. His 2012 Syrah earned Best New World Syrah at the prestigious Six Nations Wine Challenge in Australia, and is 2013 is showing marvelously already. it’s a rich and beautifully textured red with complex aromas and flavors of black licorice, caramel, black cherry and dark chocolate backed by moderate tannins.”
These comments echo Jonathan Cristaldi’s line in his article entitles “The Rise of Oregon Syrah” in the Feb/March edition of SOMMJournal where he writes, “Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards in Oregon’s Umpqua Valley is helping usher in a Syrah revolution.”
You can read more about the Judgment of Geyserville at www.ellenonwine.com
Additional information about Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards is available on their website at www.reustlevineyards.com
2015 Six Nations Wine Challenge Top Syrah producer, Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards™, 2015 Terroir Award Recipient & 2010 Small Winery of the Year named by Riverside International Wine Competition, is 100% estate grown and produced from 40 acres of steep, hillside vineyards in Southern Oregon’s Umpqua Valley. Family owned and operated since 2001, Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards annually produces approximately 8,000 cases of more than a dozen different varietals, reserves, and blends. Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards boasts hundreds of medals from major international wine competitions, and a year-round public Tasting Room program; including a sit-down wine and appetizer pairing in its old-world style, underground Wine Cave.
