It probably comes as no surprise, but I find myself again gushing over the Gramercy Cellars wines. I try so hard not to like them, to find flaws, to find something - anything - that will allow me to say "well, if they had just done this differently" or "finally, one that doesn't suit my palate." But, again, I come up empty. Greg Harrington and his crew over at Gramercy Cellars are making beautiful wines, plain and simple.

In this, Part II of the new releases (you can find Gramercy Cellars Part I here), I review two more of the wines: the 2008 Gramercy Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2009 Gramercy Cellars Syrah John Lewis Reserve:

2008 Gramercy Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
Fairly typical nose on this Cabernet with dark cherry, sweet tobacco, vanilla and maple syrup, with similar elements on the palate. But, don't be tricked into thinking this isn't something special as it is incredibly smooth and well balanced, with a finish that's lingered longer than any wine for me in the past 6 months (with the exception of the John Lewis Syrah, reviewed below). Once again, Gramercy Cab shines in a crowded marketplace of Washington Cabs.
My rating: 92 / Outstanding

2009 Gramercy Cellars Syrah John Lewis Reserve
Oh man, was I excited to dive back into this wine when I got it. One of my favorites and the '09 does not disappoint. On the nose, dark ripe fruit, with a touch of cedar, sage and leather. On the palate, more dark fruit, both red and black, with swirling notes of cherry, raspberry, rhubarb, all pull together with a nice woodsy undertone. This is truly one of the most silky wines out there, with incredible balance and an absolutely stunning structure. And, if that weren't enough, it's the longest finish I've experienced in 6 - 12 months. Unbelievable and a true find for Washington Syrah lovers.
My rating: 95 / Classic

NOTE: these wines were sent to me as a free sample.