ABOUT: The Applegate Valley AVA has a handful of stellar wine producers and Cowhorn is at the very top of the list. It's within a friendly driving distance of Seattle and is a great place to visit, as well as the cute 'lil town Jacksonville. Cowhorn Winery is off in it's own little corner of the AVA, cranking out expressive, stylish wines made from Rhone grape varieties. I paid the busy biodynamic practitioners a visit and tasted through some crazy good wines. Nothing flashy or heady, rather wines of precision with nervy energy and room for development. Things are happening in the Applegate Valley AVA. TASTE:Writing and talking while taking thoughtful tasting notes is a challenge. This is a polished version of the chicken scratch in my notebook: The finish is long and persistent. The structure is the most compelling thing about this wine. Fine grain medium+ tannins with a similar level of acid. A touch less alcohol than the vast majority of all Syrahs. It has grip, but travels through elegantly through the senses; a very Pinot Noir style of Syrah, if that makes sense. Aromas and flavors of blackberries dominate, with bbq, campfire and chocolate tagging along. Savory, beefy, complex, with room for "development". PAIR: Veggie chili, grilled eggplant, pizza, migas, maybe a seared Portobella burger or two...
