Sparkman Cellars · Ruckus · Syrah · Washington State, USA · 2020

The Moment

This is the bottle you open when you want Syrah with swagger — dark, muscular, and unapologetically intense. It’s a wine for late dinners, smoked meats, and moments where restraint takes a back seat to depth and presence.

What It Feels Like

The nose is powerful and unmistakably bold. Wild blackberry, black cherry, blueberry pie, and crème de cassis surge forward, layered with smoky game, licorice, graphite, and a striking earthy minerality — evocative of hot asphalt and stone after a summer day. There’s a raw, savory edge here that feels deliberate and grounded.

On the palate, the wine is massive yet supple, delivering deep blue and black fruits — boysenberry, loganberry, and dark plum — wrapped in dark chocolate, black coffee, and star anise. Despite its richness, the wine carries freshness and momentum, keeping each sip focused rather than heavy.

The finish is long, resonant, and structured, with firm, fine-grained tannins that feel velvety yet compact. Subtle notes of toast and vanilla from French oak frame the wine without softening its core, signaling serious aging potential.

Perfect For

Smoked brisket, short ribs, or game meats
Grilled lamb or pepper-crusted steak
Hearty winter stews and braised dishes
Evenings that call for intensity and edge

The Vibe Pairing

Playlist energy: Heavy blues, desert rock, slow-burning alternative
Aura color: Midnight purple, charcoal smoke, hot stone
Time of day: Late dinner → fire pit → one more pour than planned

Why We Love It

Ruckus lives up to its name. The 2020 vintage delivers Syrah at full volume — dark-fruited, savory, smoky, and built to last. It’s unapologetically bold but finely constructed, rewarding both immediate enjoyment and extended time in the cellar.

Bold & Powerful · Still Red