2011 K VINTNERS Syrah ‘The Hidden’ Northridge Vineyard

$67.00

95
WA
92
WS

Embark on a sensory journey with the 2011 K Vintners Syrah ‘The Hidden.’ Uncover the allure of Washington State’s Rocks District through layers of blackberries, smoked meat, and velvety richness. Charles Smith’s craftsmanship shines in every bottle. Secure your experience of this exceptional Syrah — a testament to the terroir and a masterpiece in the world of wine. Don’t miss the chance to savor the hidden depths. Cheers to indulging in extraordinary moments!

Volume: 750 ML | 14.5% ABV

1 in stock

Wine Advocate – 95 Points

Aged in 100% new 500 liter barrels, the 2011 Syrah The Hidden Northridge Vineyard is an incredible Syrah that gives up pure aromas and flavors of blackberry, ground pepper, minerality, and dried spices and hints of vanilla in its full-bodied, elegant and seamless profile. Slightly more mid-weight than prior vintages, yet with beautiful concentration and solid mid-palate depth, it has enough tannin and richness to evolve gracefully for over a decade as well. Jun/2014 —Jeb Dunnuck

Wine Spectator – 92 Points

Fresh, vibrant and inviting, with a polished texture and expressive blueberry and clotted cream flavors, hinting at peach as the finish lingers against modest tannins. Drink now through 2019. —winespectator.com

Description

The 2011 K Vintners Syrah ‘The Hidden’ is a bold and captivating expression of Washington State’s distinct terroir. Crafted by the visionary winemaker Charles Smith, this Syrah showcases the unique characteristics of the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, an appellation known for its ancient riverbed soils and exceptional Syrah vineyards.

In the glass, ‘The Hidden’ reveals an intense, opaque purple hue, hinting at the concentration and depth within. The nose is an aromatic journey, with layers of blackberries, blueberries, and dark cherries mingling with nuances of smoked meat, black pepper, and hints of violet. It’s a symphony of bold fruit and savory elements that captivate the senses.

On the palate, this Syrah unfolds with power and grace. The rich, velvety texture carries flavors of ripe black fruit, complemented by notes of espresso, olive tapenade, and a subtle minerality that reflects the unique soil composition of the Rocks District. The tannins are finely integrated, providing structure to the wine while allowing its complexity to shine through.

The 2011 vintage, marked by a cooler growing season, has endowed ‘The Hidden’ with a vibrant acidity that adds freshness and balance to the wine’s opulence. This Syrah is a testament to Charles Smith’s commitment to crafting wines of authenticity and character, showcasing the potential of Washington State Syrah at its finest.

Whether enjoyed now or cellared for further evolution, the 2011 K Vintners Syrah ‘The Hidden’ is an invitation to explore the hidden depths of Washington’s terroir and experience the artistry of one of the region’s most renowned winemakers. A truly remarkable wine that captures the essence of time and place.

K Vintners, founded by the maverick winemaker Charles Smith, stands as a distinctive force in Washington State’s wine landscape, recognized for its bold and expressive wines that reflect both the terroir and the winemaker’s avant-garde approach. Charles Smith’s journey into winemaking is as unconventional as the wines he crafts.

Originally from California, Charles Smith found himself drawn to the world of wine while managing a rock band in Europe. His passion for the beverage led him to pursue a wine education in Scandinavia, where he worked as a manager for a wine shop. This experience laid the foundation for his deep knowledge of European wines and a unique perspective that would later shape his winemaking philosophy.

In 1999, Charles Smith moved to Washington State’s Walla Walla Valley, a region already gaining acclaim for its wine potential. He started K Vintners with a focus on producing small batches of Syrah that would reflect the distinct characteristics of the vineyards. The name “K Vintners” pays homage to Charles’s partnership with his business manager, Christophe Baron, who founded Cayuse Vineyards.

From the beginning, Charles Smith embraced a hands-on, minimalist winemaking style. His commitment to showcasing the true expression of the fruit led to a series of single-vineyard Syrahs that garnered critical acclaim and established K Vintners as a leading force in Washington wine.

The winery’s focus expanded beyond Syrah as it explored other varietals and blends, each crafted with the same dedication to quality and innovation. The portfolio includes iconic wines such as ‘The Hidden,’ ‘Motor City Kitty,’ and ‘Kung Fu Girl Riesling,’ showcasing Charles Smith’s ability to bring out the best in diverse grape varieties.

Charles Smith’s irreverent and bold personality is reflected not only in the wines but also in the iconic labels and names he gives to his creations. His unwavering commitment to authenticity and his belief in the potential of Washington State’s terroir have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious title of “Winemaker of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast in 2009.

Today, K Vintners continues to be a trailblazer in Washington’s wine scene, pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and delivering wines that capture the imagination of wine enthusiasts worldwide. Charles Smith’s journey from a European wine enthusiast to a rock-and-roll winemaker has left an indelible mark on the industry, making K Vintners a symbol of creativity, passion, and excellence in Washington State winemaking.

Professional Reviewer

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The Wine Advocaterobertparker.com WA
Wine Spectatorwinespectator.com WS
James Sucklingjamessuckling.com JS
Wine Enthusiastwinemag.com WE
The Wine Independentthewineindependent.com TWI
Allen Meadows —Burghoundburghound.com BH
Connoisseur’s Guide to California Winecgcw.com CGCW
Wine & Spiritswineandspiritsmagazine.com W&S
The Tasting Paneltastingpanelmag.com TP
Antonio Galloni —Vinous Mediavinous.com VM
Jancis Robinsonjancisrobinson.com JR
Stephen TanzerInternational Wine Cellar — IWC
Jeb Dunnuckjebdunnuck.com JD
Decanter Magazinedecanter.com D
Jane Anson —Inside Bordeauxjaneanson.com JA

Expert Wine Reviews & Scores:
Comprehensive Insights from the World’s Top Wine Critics

 

The Wine Advocate (WA) • Influential Wine Criticism for Global Wine Lovers •

The Wine Advocate is one of the most authoritative sources for wine criticism in the world. Founded by renowned critic Robert M. Parker Jr., the publication pioneered the use of the 100-point wine rating system to evaluate wines. Parker’s meticulous and unbiased approach to reviewing wines has had a profound impact on the global wine market, especially on regions like Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Rhone Valley. His high ratings can drastically influence a wine’s market value and popularity, making The Wine Advocate a trusted source for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Today, a team of professional wine reviewers continues to uphold Parker’s high standards, offering detailed tasting notes and expert opinions across a wide range of wine-producing regions. Visit The Wine Advocate for the latest wine reviews and industry insights.

Wine Spectator (WS) • Comprehensive Wine Reviews, Industry News, and Lifestyle Features •

Wine Spectator is a leading publication that covers not just wine reviews, but also industry news, lifestyle features, and food pairings with wine. Since its establishment in 1976, Wine Spectator has been one of the most respected magazines in the world of wine. It provides in-depth tasting notes and wine ratings using a 100-point system, covering wines from regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Napa Valley, Tuscany, and beyond. The publication also highlights the human stories behind winemakers and vineyard owners, offering a rich narrative to accompany its critical assessments. Wine Spectator’s annual “Top 100 Wines” list is eagerly awaited each year by wine professionals and collectors. Their blend of professional reviews and lifestyle content makes it a go-to for anyone passionate about wine. Visit Wine Spectator for more.

James Suckling (JS) • Straightforward Wine Reviews for Serious Enthusiasts •

James Suckling is a globally recognized wine critic who has spent decades tasting and reviewing wines. Formerly a senior editor at Wine Spectator, Suckling now operates his own site, JamesSuckling.com, where he publishes thousands of wine reviews annually. Suckling’s approach to wine criticism is rooted in his belief that wines should be balanced, structured, and elegant. His site is particularly known for reviews on Bordeaux wines, Italian wines, Napa Valley wines, and Chilean wines, though he covers a broad range of regions. His scoring system is easy to follow and caters to both collectors and casual wine drinkers. Suckling’s direct, concise reviews make his site a valuable resource for anyone looking to quickly understand the quality and character of a wine. Explore James Suckling’s Reviews.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) • Wine Reviews, Buying Guides, and Wine Culture •

Wine Enthusiast is a well-established publication that has been offering expert wine reviews since 1988. The magazine rates thousands of wines each year, using a 100-point scale, and provides accessible reviews for both novice wine drinkers and seasoned collectors. Wine Enthusiast covers a broad range of wine-producing regions, from the major players like France, Italy, and California, to lesser-known areas that are just emerging on the global wine scene. In addition to its reviews, Wine Enthusiast publishes wine buying guides, food and wine pairings, and features on wine-related travel destinations. Its mix of education and entertainment makes it a well-rounded resource for wine lovers. Visit Wine Enthusiast for more.

The Wine Independent (TWI) • A New Standard in Independent Wine Criticism •

The Wine Independent is a fresh and innovative wine publication co-founded by Lisa Perrotti-Brown, former editor-in-chief of The Wine Advocate. The Wine Independent is committed to providing unbiased wine reviews and in-depth commentary on the wine industry. The publication covers a wide variety of wine-producing regions, offering detailed reviews of wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Napa Valley, and more. By focusing on the integrity and transparency of wine criticism, The Wine Independent aims to provide wine lovers with a reliable and authoritative voice. Whether you are a casual wine drinker or a serious collector, The Wine Independent offers a fresh perspective on the wines that matter most. Discover The Wine Independent.

Allen Meadows, Burghound (BH) • The Leading Source for Burgundy Wine Reviews •

Allen Meadows, widely known as Burghound, is considered one of the foremost experts on Burgundy wines. His publication, Burghound, provides exhaustive reviews of wines from Burgundy, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, offering readers an unparalleled depth of knowledge about this prestigious region. Burghound is a go-to resource for collectors, investors, and anyone deeply interested in Burgundy, with Allen’s detailed terroir analysis and vintage reviews standing out as some of the most comprehensive in the world. His reviews emphasize the subtle differences in terroir and vintage, making them essential reading for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of Burgundy wines. Visit Burghound to explore more.

Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine (CGCW) • California’s Premier Wine Review Publication •

Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine, or CGCW, has been a trusted source of California wine reviews since 1974. The guide focuses exclusively on California wines, offering insights into both established wine-growing regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma, as well as emerging areas within the state. CGCW uses a straightforward 3-star rating system that is designed to be consumer-friendly while still delivering detailed and informative reviews. Whether you are exploring California Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, or lesser-known varietals, CGCW offers expert guidance for understanding the full breadth of the California wine industry. Explore Connoisseur’s Guide for more.

Wine & Spirits (W&S) • Wine Reviews with a Focus on Food Pairings and Sustainability •

Wine & Spirits is a highly respected magazine that has been offering in-depth wine reviews and features since 1982. Known for its panel-based tasting methodology, Wine & Spirits provides highly reliable and consistent wine ratings, covering all the major wine regions across the globe. What sets Wine & Spirits apart is its focus on how wine interacts with food and its commitment to sustainability in the wine industry. Each issue features wine and food pairing guides and highlights sustainable practices in viticulture, making it an essential resource for both wine professionals and eco-conscious wine consumers. Visit Wine & Spirits for more.

The Tasting Panel (TP) • Wine, Spirits, and Beer Reviews for Beverage Professionals •

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Antonio Galloni, Vinous (VM) • Comprehensive Wine Reviews and Educational Resources •

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Jancis Robinson (JR) • One of the World’s Most Respected Wine Writers •

Jancis Robinson is an internationally recognized wine critic, writer, and author. Her website, JancisRobinson.com, is one of the most comprehensive online resources for wine reviews, covering regions from around the globe. Robinson’s tasting notes are widely respected for their clarity and depth, and she is known for her encyclopedic knowledge of wine. In addition to wine reviews, Robinson is the author of several influential books, including “The Oxford Companion to Wine,” which has become a cornerstone of wine education. Visit Jancis Robinson for expert wine reviews.

Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar (IWC) • No-Nonsense Wine Criticism •

Stephen Tanzer founded International Wine Cellar and is known for his unpretentious and honest approach to wine criticism. Tanzer’s concise reviews offer deep insights into the quality and character of wines, with a focus on regions like Burgundy, Bordeaux, and California. His journal has long been respected for its integrity and refusal to follow hype, focusing instead on delivering clear and balanced wine evaluations. Tanzer’s work has been influential in shaping the understanding of terroir-driven wines. Learn More about Stephen Tanzer.

Jeb Dunnuck (JD) • Wine Critic with a Focus on Rhône and California Wines •

Jeb Dunnuck is a prominent wine critic who started his career reviewing Rhône Valley wines but has since expanded his coverage to include California, Bordeaux, and beyond. His website, JebDunnuck.com, provides in-depth reviews and reports from tastings and vineyard visits, often giving readers a behind-the-scenes look at the wine industry. His reviews are known for being approachable and informative, making them accessible to both casual wine drinkers and serious collectors. Dunnuck’s reviews provide a trusted guide for those looking to explore wines from around the world. Visit Jeb Dunnuck for expert wine reviews.

Decanter Magazine (D) • A Leading British Wine Publication •

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Jane Anson (JA), Inside Bordeaux • The Definitive Guide to Bordeaux Wines •

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