2012 Rasa Vineyards Doctrina Perpetua Rousseau Syrah

Rasa Vineyards of Walla Walla was founded in 2007 by brothers Makrand and Yashodhan Naravane. The brothers both worked in Internet Technology and Makrand founded and ran a computer networking company before starting their wine venture. Rasa owns property that will become estate vineyards and sources grapes from Eastern Washington. The estate focuses on blends, including Syrah-based blends and Cabernet Sauvignon blends. Rasa also produces Riesling, Chardonnay and Mourvedre.

Columbia Valley AVA is larger than some states. At 18,000 square miles, or 11 million acres, the appellation covers almost half of Washington State and a small part of Oregon on the south side of the Columbia River. Established in 1984, Columbia Valley contains numerous sub appellations within its boundaries, including Yakima Valley AVA and Walla Walla AVA, both large and important wine districts. Columbia Valley AVA, generally called the Columbia Basin by Pacific Northwesterners, is in the Columbia River Plateau, and the AVA also includes a section of northeastern Oregon. There are dozens of microclimates within this appellation of about 7,000 vineyard acres. Many kinds of grapes are grown in the Columbia Valley, though the principal grapes planted are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, Syrah, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. Eastern Washington experiences very hot summers and cold winters, and the northern latitude means that Washington vineyards receive several more hours of sun in the summer than California vineyards. Grapes in Washington therefore have time to develop significant tannins and overall ripeness.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.