The 2009 Walla Walla Syrah is a single vineyard, single block wine made from 100% Syrah grapes. The grapes are all from Block 12 of the renowned Les Collines Vineyard. Les Collines (which means “The Foothills”), is situated at the base of the Blue Mountains in the hills overlooking the Walla Walla Valley. With upper elevations of 1,380 feet, it is one of the highest vineyards in the AVA. A Salmon Safe Certified vineyard, Les Collines is sustainably farmed and shares our own emphasis on environmental stewardship.
Les Collines’ first vines were planted in 2000 by father-son team Norm and Shane McKibben, who are perhaps the most notable winegrowing duo in Walla Walla. Norm’s involvement in Walla Walla dates back to 1989 and he continues to be a managing partner at Les Collines, Seven Hills Vineyard, and Pepperbridge Winery. Shane takes a hands-on roll as the Les Collines vineyard manager. Several varieties are grown here (Cabernet, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Semillon and Viognier among others) but the vineyard is best known for its Syrah, which produces beautiful, structured wines with robust aromatics.
