Wine Description
Midnight Journey is a dry, estate-grown Willamette Valley Syrah with violet, dark plum, black olive, fennel seed, and warm spice. A small Viognier coferment brings aromatic lift, while firm, polished tannins and a subtle saline line carry the wine into a long, savory finish - deeply flavored without feeling heavy.
Naming Inspiration
Inspired by "End of the Night" by The Doors, Midnight Journey is a Willamette Valley Syrah named for the wine's deep color and after-dark mood, and for the long arc it traces from floral lift through savory fruit to a briny finish.
Studio Notes
- From the Vineyard: Estate Syrah from Block 2 at Compris Vineyard in the Chahelem Mountains AVA, planted in 2010 on rocky marine sedimentary soil at approximately 300 to 400 feet elevation. The final blend includes 3% estate Viognier from Block 3, also planted in 2010 on marine sedimentary and clay soils. LIVE Certified and farmed with organic and biodynamic principles.
- In the Cellar: The Syrah and Viognier were fully destemmed and cofermented following a three-day cold soak. Native fermentation was managed with twice-daily pumpovers and punchdowns through dryness to build structure without excessive extraction. The wine aged for 13 months in French oak, with 30% new oak.
- Tech at a Glance: Harvested September 22, 2023, 21.2º Brix, 13.3% alcohol, TA 4.6 g/L, pH 3.94, 0 g/L residual sugar, 180 cases produced
Tasting Notes
Style at a glance: Dry; Medium-bodied; Firm, polished tannins; Long, savory finish
Aroma: Violet, dark plum, black olive, fennel seed, and warm spice
Palate: Dried plum and dark fruit settle into olive brine, warm Moroccan spice, and fennel seed. The tannins are firm but integrated, with a subtle saline note carrying the wine through a long, dry finish.
Pairs well with: Lamb tagine, grilled lamb chops, duck confit, mushroom ragù, smoked eggplant, and aged sheep’s-milk cheese.
Open it for: A slow dinner, a cool evening, or anytime you want Syrah with savory depth rather than jammy weight.
Bottle Details
Release Date
March 2026
Alcohol %
13.3%
AVA
Chehalem Mountains
Reviews
“The 2023 Syrah Midnight Journey slowly evolves in the glass as crushed blackberries mingle with sage, stone dust and spice. The palate is soothingly round, with cooling acidity and depths of violet-laced black fruits that gradually saturate. Nuances of cola and sweet herbs linger over a bed of fine-grained tannins, tapering off with a pleasantly bitter balsamic tinge. - Eric Guido”
“One does not normally think about the Chehalem Mountains when it comes to Syrah, but based on this wine, we should. Midnight Journey explodes with blackberry, earth, violets and beeswax aromas. Mildly chewy tannins and electric acidity, then herd tangy dark raspberry, orange, black pepper and pork fat flavors across the finish line. - Michael Alberty”
