The Hidden?
…

Ha! You figured it out! You are one of us dear Operative, you leave nothing HIDDEN. So, when this beauty got offered to us as an option from the vast Charles Smith portfolio chockful of choices that entice, we obviously were most intrigued.

As if one isn’t enough, how ‘bout TRIPLE 96-POINTS?! Lemme tell you, this stuff is EXPLOSIVE.

Without a doubt, we’re looking at what Jeb Dunnuck called out when he was with Wine Advocate: “One of the most impressive Syrahs from Washington is Smith’s The Hidden, which comes all from the Northridge Vineyard on the Wahluke slope.” and said it again, “I continue to feel that this is one of the top Syrahs coming out Washington today, and it certainly doesn’t get the notoriety it deserves” yet it’s still a “hidden” gem after all that praise? Total spy territory.

And back to Jeb for the big picture: “One of my favorite tastings during my Washington trip is with Charles Smith and his right-hand man, Brenna Leighton have one of the most stacked lineups out there… they are at the top of the pyramid, flat-out incredible wines that I wish every reader could taste. As I’ve said in the past, these wines are the real deal!”

Ripe black fruits, smoky minerals, savory herbs, licorice, leather, meat, game, you name it! All there on the dizzying nose and mesmerizing palate, all out in plain sight, leading to a crescendo finish that echoes effortlessly for over a minute. At $75 this has a Washingtonian heart with a Northern Rhône soul, ready to win any blind Frenchie challenge.

At our top secret $45 it’s a smokin’ collectible giveaway in a league way, way above what you’re paying.

While it lasts.

96+ Points – Jeb Dunnuck

“The 2019 Syrah The Hidden comes from the Northridge Vineyard and is another rich, burly wine that needs bottle age. Both red and black fruits, charcoal, smoky oak, and pepper define the bouquet, and it’s full-bodied, has building tannins, and a great finish. I wouldn’t open a bottle for at least 2-3 years.”

96 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“The 2019 Syrah The Hidden is impossible to ignore, balsamic with grilled herbs and currants accentuated by minty herbs. This blends both elegance and power, deeply textural with a core of juicy wild berry fruit. Balsamic spices and mineral tones give way to a coating of grippy tannins. The 2019 finishes structured and long with a cheek-puckering tension. Bitter blackberry and sage notes fade slowly. The Hidden Syrah is sourced from the Wahluke Slope, planted at 1,200 feet and in broken basalt soils. Drink 2026-2036.”

96 Points – James Suckling

“Ripe black cherry, blackberry and whole and ground peppercorn on the nose. Full-bodied with fine, taught tannins. There is excellent depth and richness here with toasted black fruit and notes of leather and dried rose. Very well balanced with great complexity and intensity. Drink or hold.”