“At the top of the pyramid, flat-out incredible wines that I wish every reader could taste.” – Wine Advocate

As Turbo B once said, or I will attack, and you don’t want that!

But we do want this kind of attack, a powerline delivered right into your flavor muzzle.

The man, the myth, THE Charles Smith is back with a vengeance today. 97 POINTS! A brilliant Syrah that will take your palate on a first-class trip to uncharted waters. At this price?!

Like what Jeb Dunnuck said, we feel lightheaded in the presence of a K: “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!”

Yep Jeb, this one is “stacked up” to the brim, with electric points, delivering 97K watts for a mere 45 bucks like a Porsche Taycan that never stops at a gas station. Powerline, authoritatively at 1,200 feet in elevation, is an estate vineyard right in the heart of Walla Walla Valley. This gives the wine in our glass superb definition and freshness, while balancing intense black fruits with mineral and savory elements. It just does not quit on the immense finish, seamless yet strapping, beating your taste buds down one by one to silky submission. First glass with your weekday stakes and the rest over a gripping thriller.

Vinous is spot on: “Brennon Leighton has mastered combining power with energy and freshness at K Vintners… powerful, dark and brooding, yet also display an unmistakable expression of terroir.”

Brought down what we could from Washington - these never stay up long though - fair warning.

97 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

“While just bottled a week before this tasting, the 2019 Syrah Powerline Vineyard certainly wasn’t showing any worse for it, offering a stunning bouquet of ripe red and black fruits as well as white pepper, sandalwood, tobacco, and new leather. Pure, medium to full-bodied, and vibrant, with supple, polished tannins, this brilliant Syrah is going to keep for 10-12 years, if not longer. Drink 2022-2034.”