Kobayashi Winery
WeatherEye Vineyard Syrah
I’m fortunate to have had a lot of Kobayashi wines, both with and without Travis, but his “regular” Syrah is a wine I’ve probably had the least amount of times. I brought this as a part of a massive Syrah lineup (‘83 Voge Cornas, ‘91 Chapoutier Hermitage, ‘18 SamiOdi HD, ‘13 and ‘20 Lillian, etc) and it showed very well.
Compared to Travis’s other wines, this showed very primary/fruit forward. Deep purple in the glass and the aromatics were, astoundingly, similar to the ‘18 SamiOdi HD next to it (sweet perfume/potpurri)…so deeply floral and intoxicatingly intriguing. The palate is commanding with an interplay of ripe and juicy black berry fruit and savory/smoky notes toward the finish with just a kiss of sweet blue fruit. The finish is massively structured (even after following this for a few days). Wish I had an older vintage to see how these evolve, but it’s undeniably balanced and a tasty expression of WA state Syrah.
I’m fortunate to have had a lot of Kobayashi wines, both with and without Travis, but his “regular” Syrah is a wine I’ve probably had the least amount of times. I brought this as a part of a massive Syrah lineup (‘83 Voge Cornas, ‘91 Chapoutier Hermitage, ‘18 SamiOdi HD, ‘13 and ‘20 Lillian, etc) and it showed very well.
Compared to Travis’s other wines, this showed very primary/fruit forward. Deep purple in the glass and the aromatics were, astoundingly, similar to the ‘18 SamiOdi HD next to it (sweet perfume/potpurri)…so deeply floral and intoxicatingly intriguing. The palate is commanding with an interplay of ripe and juicy black berry fruit and savory/smoky notes toward the finish with just a kiss of sweet blue fruit. The finish is massively structured (even after following this for a few days). Wish I had an older vintage to see how these evolve, but it’s undeniably balanced and a tasty expression of WA state Syrah.
@Delectable Wine: This is the Sans Soufre Syrah. I didn’t see it in the database.
What a crazy wine. I had the pleasure of meeting Travis (a second time) in Seattle while I was traveling, and popped an Egly Ouriet Les Crayeres while we talked all things Kobayashi. He told me this 2020 was drinking great, so I had to see for myself.
Sans Soufre. Travis recommended an hour decant. He was spot on. After an hour, this came alive! So perfumed. Intoxicating aromatics. Deeply floral and bright fruit all over. Blue fruit, spiced pepper. Great weight to it. Very “pure”. It straddles Barossa Valley’s SamiOdi with the aromatics (rich and decadent black/blue/purple fruits) and channels more Cornas type of a vibe with its charcoal/savory mid palate. Has that distinct incense flavor that his Mizunara barrels impart, but I don’t think this wine touched those barrels.
Drank half from the decanter over two hours, then I corked it and had the second half the following day and it held strong/just as enjoyable.
@Delectable Wine: This is the Sans Soufre Syrah. I didn’t see it in the database.
What a crazy wine. I had the pleasure of meeting Travis (a second time) in Seattle while I was traveling, and popped an Egly Ouriet Les Crayeres while we talked all things Kobayashi. He told me this 2020 was drinking great, so I had to see for myself.
Sans Soufre. Travis recommended an hour decant. He was spot on. After an hour, this came alive! So perfumed. Intoxicating aromatics. Deeply floral and bright fruit all over. Blue fruit, spiced pepper. Great weight to it. Very “pure”. It straddles Barossa Valley’s SamiOdi with the aromatics (rich and decadent black/blue/purple fruits) and channels more Cornas type of a vibe with its charcoal/savory mid palate. Has that distinct incense flavor that his Mizunara barrels impart, but I don’t think this wine touched those barrels.
Drank half from the decanter over two hours, then I corked it and had the second half the following day and it held strong/just as enjoyable.
Sans Soufre Weather Eye Syrah. Dark and deeply fruit, carries intense spice and toasty aromas of a barrel ferment. Was expecting more exhuberant floral notes and surprised by the leathery nature. Changed a lot over dinner.
Sans Soufre Weather Eye Syrah. Dark and deeply fruit, carries intense spice and toasty aromas of a barrel ferment. Was expecting more exhuberant floral notes and surprised by the leathery nature. Changed a lot over dinner.
Jan 28th, 2022There’s so much I could say, but sometimes less is more. I’ve not had a “perfect” wine, but all three of these were perfect together with regards to my preferred style. As an unabashed lover of Syrah, these three were close to perfect on this night. I should also add that having elk and bison made these wines shine even more.
Thanks to Travis of Kobayashi for visiting TX and bringing the Allemand. 🤘🏼
There’s so much I could say, but sometimes less is more. I’ve not had a “perfect” wine, but all three of these were perfect together with regards to my preferred style. As an unabashed lover of Syrah, these three were close to perfect on this night. I should also add that having elk and bison made these wines shine even more.
Thanks to Travis of Kobayashi for visiting TX and bringing the Allemand. 🤘🏼
WotN. Likely the best SS so far and it’s just in bottle a few months. Fruit was on the vine less than a year ago.
WotN. Likely the best SS so far and it’s just in bottle a few months. Fruit was on the vine less than a year ago.
Jul 28th, 2024WotN. The 22 is lighter, savory-er and northern-rhoney-er than previous vintages.
WotN. The 22 is lighter, savory-er and northern-rhoney-er than previous vintages.
Feb 24th, 2024Crazy delish right now. Balanced and versatile. Perfect for PNW in January.
Crazy delish right now. Balanced and versatile. Perfect for PNW in January.
Jan 29th, 2024Sans soufre yumminess. Assertive fruit and body
Sans soufre yumminess. Assertive fruit and body
Jan 28th, 2024
I think this wine is fantastic. Bold, balanced fruit without being jammy (or very yerbal/cherry). Fine grippy tannins — drinking really smooth for a syrah this young. Would definitely drink again. Looks like $75 on the list or $170 elsewhere. Gift from Brendan Baker.
I think this wine is fantastic. Bold, balanced fruit without being jammy (or very yerbal/cherry). Fine grippy tannins — drinking really smooth for a syrah this young. Would definitely drink again. Looks like $75 on the list or $170 elsewhere. Gift from Brendan Baker.
Jun 19th, 2023