Many might say that Syrah is the the single most important varietal in Washington. Founded by Brandon and Emma Kubrock, Ardor focuses on Syrahs from distinct vineyard sites across the Washington state. The rely on the winemaking talents of Aryn Morell who crafts wines for Gard, Alleromb as well as Matthews and Tenor. He is a seriously talented winemaker who makes great wine no matter the varietal.
His new Syrah releases from the hot 2015 vintage were rich while showing a nice sense of place and tension. Tension was hard to create in 2015 due to the heat spikes, as it was the hottest vintage and earliest harvest on record in Washington. The 2015 Ardor Cellars ‘Quarternarium Reserve’ Syrah (WWB, 94) was a stunner which shows really serious intensity and range. Nearly as good was their 2015 Ardor Cellars ‘Stoney Vine Vineyard’ Syrah (WWB, 93), which offers gorgeous terroir and wet stone character. Learn more about this awesome lineup of Ardor wines at http://www.ardorcellars.com Here are the great new releases by Ardor Cellars.
2015 Ardor Cellars Red Wine- Weighing in at 15.5% alcohol, this wine is a blend of 53% Grenache and 47% Syrah sourced from the Art Den Hoed, Lawrence and Stony Vine Vineyard. Slightly stony on the nose with red currant ad red cherry aromatics. The mouthfeel is plush and there is a nice purity of fruit here. Red currant, red cherry, pomegranate seed and suggestions of baking spices complete this great value. This is ripe and downright delicious wine from this warm vintage. Drink 2017-2025- 91
2015 Ardor Cellars ‘Quarternarium Reseve’ Syrah- The wine is sourced from equal parts of the Den Hoed, Lawrence, Red Heaven and Stony Vine Vineyards. The wine underwent roughly 25% whole cluster fermentation. This inky colored Syrah begins with aromatics reminiscent of tangerine, black tea, black cherry and sea salt, showing some really nice aromatic range. Plush and downright voluptuous, the wine shows Earl Grey tea, black olive, black cherry, coffee grounds and smoked brisket flavors. Decadent and delicious, this is smooth and silky. Drink 2017-2027- 94
2015 Ardor Cellars ‘Den Hoed Vineyard’ Syrah- The Syrah was aged for 15 months in used puncheons prior to bottling. This shows plush aromatics of black plum, asian spices, cigar box and black cherry cough syrup. There are lovely ripe red fruits like red cherry and pomegranate with a Mandarin orange rind edge and black olive. This represents ripe yet feminine style wine shows nice poise considering the heat of the vintage. Drink 2017-2027- 92
2015 Ardor Cellars ‘Lawrence Vineyard’ Syrah- This great Syrah underwent 25% whole cluster fermentation and is sourced from theLawrence Vineyard, located in the Royal City area. Showing off a dark core the wine begins with aromatics of black cherry cordial, blackberry pie, black olive tapenade and smoked meats. Meaty and savory, the wine shows a wonderful salinity. Black cherry, black olive, smoked pork shoulder and tar flavors combine to create an awesome effect. With mouthwatering acidity, this is impossible to resist right now. Drink 2017-2027- 93
2015 Ardor Cellars ‘Red Heaven Vineyard’ Syrah- The site is located below the Force MajeureVineyard and above theHedges Vineyard on Red Mountain. This shows an ultra dark fruit profile with wild blackberry preserves, mocha, black tea and baking spices. The weight and texture of this wine is lovely. Black tea, coffee grounds and milk chocolate flavors sit alongside some strong minerality. Drink 2017-2024- 92
2015 Ardor Cellars ‘Stoney Vine Vineyard ‘Syrah- The excellent Syrah underwent 40% whole cluster fermentation. Immediately you are drawn to the wet stone aspect of this great wine. Smoked meats, Mandarin orange and star jasmine with wet rock aromatics impress. The texture is gorgeous and plush. Blood orange rind, red cherry, pomegranate puree and suggestions of smoked brisket flavors show gorgeous range. This is another outstanding wine made by the talented hands of Aryn Morell. Drink 2017-2025- 93
2015 Ardor Cellars ‘Stoney Vine Vineyard’ Grenache- There is a wonderful purity of fruit to the nose with red cherry preserves, pomegranate, orange rind and seaweed. Slightly sweet, the wine shows delicious red fruit flavors with a slight stony aspect and nice salinity. The silky texture impresses. Drink 2017-2025- 91