Tasting Note – 1 Mill Road went to Washington for this syrah as its B.C. sources were wiped out in winter freeze of January 2024. This is a classic take on syrah, if needing some time to loosen its grip and open up. It has compacted, complex aromas of black cherry, pepper, fresh sage, a tarry note and wood spice. It is medium-full bodied (13.5% abv) fairly dense, with good acidity and rather coarse, crusty tannin (but not green). The finish is rather bitter and saline. The length is excellent. I would age this until 2028, and it may go into the 2030s. All the pieces are in place.

Backgrounder – 1 Mill Road is owned by veteran Australian winemaker Ben Bryant and Kelowna-raised partner Katie Truscott. It is focused on Naramata pinot and chardonnay from estate and purchased fruit. But as an Aussie winemaker, syrah is close to Bryant’s heart. So, after the freeze-out 2024 vintage, he turned to Washington State for grenache and shiraz and made excellent wines now on release. The fruit here from the Coyote Canyon Vineyard in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills AVA is particularly brilliant. Until the political situation settles out, however, Bryant says he will not be using any Washington fruit.  It was hand-harvested and sorted. Approximately 20% whole cluster was included for lift and structure. It was fermented in large oak and aged for 15 months in seasoned French oak, then bottled unfined and unfiltered. Tasted April 2026