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Owen Bargreen

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Here is the stunning new Hors Categorie.

Hors Catégorie

April 18, 2024

It is my pleasure to present to you today one of the great wines of the word. Translated to ‘beyond categorization’ Hors Catégorie is an ultra-pure expression of terroir in a bottle. Sourced from a very hilly, 2-acre vineyard hidden in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, the Hors Catégorie Vineyard is a sight to be seen. This is is without a doubt one of the most scenic spots you will find in the Walla Walla Valley.  The vineyard has incredibly tight spacing and Syrah clusters are cropped at less than a ton an acre. The terroir is largely stony with thick broken basalt sprinkled everywhere. When you are there you can truly feel the struggle of the vines in this stony terroir.

I was blown away with what they accomplished in 2020. I can say that along with the 2020, the 2021 leaves no doubt that this is a perfect wine. You won’t find novelty like this stunning terroir anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. The 2021 Hors Catégorie Syrah (OB, 100) is a mind-bending wine descending on mesmerizing flavor and aromatic range. You could buy Guigal ‘La Landone’ and pay more than twice the price. But would you get a better wine with your purchase? I don’t think so. Learn more about this world-class Syrah at https://horscategorievineyards.com/horscategorievineyards/ Here is the new review for the incredible 2021 Hors Catégorie Syrah. 

2021 Hors Catégorie Syrah- A stunning wine that is every bit as good as the 2020, the 2021 Hors Categorie Syrah is cut from a fleshier style of this bottling, reminiscent of the 2018 and quite divergent from the 2019. Like the 2020 bottling, this is perfection in the glass, yielding its mind-numbing flavor and aromatic range. A deep core reminiscent of the 2020 starts us off with scorched earth and wintergreen notes that combine with Nori, white peppered brisket, iodine, and boysenberry preserves. The palate is plush and soft, loaded with underlying finesse. Very stony and impeccably balanced, this is an unforgettable effort by director of winemaker Elizabeth Bourcier that is amongst the finest Hors Categorie ever produced. Do not miss out on this total stunner. Drink 2024-2034- 100

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