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La Luna Contenta 2017 Syrah
High in the hills, a hidden vineyard
La Luna Contenta is one of those secret gems hiding in the hills. I was introduced to JT Sharp at the Oregon Wine Experience in Jacksonville, Oregon – and wow, what a wine!
JT and his wife were looking for a place to escape to in Southern Oregon from their fast-paced life in Portland back in 2016. They lucked into a gorgeous property high in the hills above Medford. (When I visited he just told me to keep on going and going and going up the hill!)
When their sale closed, they discovered a small plot of 20-year-old Syrah vines planted behind the house. Well, no one in their right mind would pull out 20-year-old vines, so… they got in the wine business! They partnered with one of Southern Oregon’s most renowned custom-crush winemakers, Linda Donovan, and put their gorgeous fruit in her hands.
Lo and behold, on their very first vintage they medaled at Oregon Wine Experience!
The Syrah is all they produce and just 125 cases a year. They might be the smallest production winery we’ve ever featured!
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
La Luna Contenta, Medford, Oregon
2017 Syrah
Their La Luna Contenta vineyard location provides an ideal growing climate for these 20-year-old vines. High up in the foothills of the Siskiyou Mountains, the vines get good morning sun, afternoon shade, and lots of hillside breezes to keep them cool.
This is a beautifully balanced and elegant wine, more reminiscent of French Syrah than the big over-the-top versions coming out of the new world, perfect for every-day drinking.
It has the deep ruby color you’re expecting with a medium body and well-integrated tannins. You’ll get flavors of blueberry, blackberry, and a hint of chocolate along with the typical notes of tobacco and peppercorn. It is a fantastic wine with a steak or a portobello right off the grill, or perhaps a slow-roasted barbecue.
This wine can be enjoyed right now but if you’re in the mood to cellar, this one will be excellent for years to come.
A Cellar 503 selection in December 2020, Holiday Wines Rogue Valley | Syrah
