Wine Description
Midnight Journey is Syrah shaped by the rocky marine edge of the vineyard, cool climate in structure, savory in spirit. In 2023, the long season gave Syrah time to build deep color and complexity at modest sugars, and a small Viognier coferment added perfume and a touch of sheen. We balanced extraction with both pumpovers and punchdowns so the wine holds structure without turning heavy. It opens on purple flowers and black olive with dried Italian plum, then finishes with fennel seed spice and a subtle saline line that feels unmistakably coastal Oregon.
Studio Notes
• From the vineyard: Block 2 Syrah (rocky marine sediment) plus Block 3 Viognier (marine sediment and clay), 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier
• In the cellar: Cofermented, native yeast, 100% destemmed, 3 day cold soak, pumpovers plus punchdowns 2 times per day to dryness, 13 months French oak, 30% new
• Tech at a glance: Harvest September 22, 2023, 13.3% alc, TA 4.6 g/L, pH 3.94, residual sugar 0 g/L (dry), 180 cases
Naming Inspiration
End of the Night, The Doors. Named for the mood, the color, and the long arc of Syrah here.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Olive brine, plum, warm spice.
Taste: Savory/sweet Morrocan tagine, dry plum, sultanas, briny finish. Integrated, smooth, firm tannins.
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”
