Midnight Journey: Estate Syrah

Wine Description

Midnight Journey is a dry, estate-grown Willamette Valley Syrah with Kalamata olive, black currant, dark plum, dusty earth, and savory balsamic depth. Tart black fruit and firm, mouth-filling tannins build through a broad, generous mid-palate before settling into a smooth, composed finish - dark, structured, with warmth and generosity throughout.

Naming Inspiration

Inspired by "End of the Night" by The Doors. Midnight Journey reflects Syrah's slower clock at Compris - dark fruit and savory detail deepening through a long season, with the wine revealing itself gradually rather than rushing to the point. The name suits both the mood and the process: dark, measured, and built around the idea that some things become more compelling the longer you stay with them.

Studio Notes

From the vineyard: Estate Syrah from Block 2 at Compris Vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. Planted in 2010 on marine sediment soil at approximately 400 feet elevation. 100% Syrah clone 470. LIVE Certified and farmed with organic and biodynamic principles.
In the cellar: The fruit was fully destemmed, followed by a three-day cold soak and native fermentation in macro bins and one amphora. Punchdowns, pumpovers, and hand turning were performed once to twice daily as needed, with full malolactic fermentation. The wine aged for 16 months in two Atelier barrles, one Cadus barrel, and one amphora, with 20% new French oak. Viognier lees were stirred in during elevage to add texture and aromatic complexity.
Tech at a glance: Harvested October 8, 2024, 23.2° Brix, 13.9% alcohol, TA 5.9 g/L, pH 3.61, 0 g/L residual sugar, 135 cases produced

Tasting Notes

Style at a glance: Dry; medium-to-full-bodied; firm, mouth-filling tannins, smooth, savory finish

Aroma: Kalamata olive, black currant, dark plum, dusty earth, and aged balsamic finish

Palate: Tart black fruit leads into a broad, savory mid-palate, with firm tannins giving the wine structure and shape. Plum and earthy detail gather through the middle before the wine settles into a smooth, generous finish.

Pairs well with: Grilled lamb, braised short ribs, duck confit, mushroom ragu, 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, generous texture, and no jammy weight.