Recommended by the New York Times, Wine Spectator, Food & Wine, and Many More. Check out our recent press.

Award-winning SF wine shop – free local delivery & fast nationwide shipping. Learn more

Hors Categorie Walla Walla Valley Syrah Hors Categorie Vineyard 2022

$32999
Use code 10OFF to get 10% off 12+ bottles
This Syrah comes from a slope so steep, up to 60 degrees, that it can only be farmed by hand or with machinery winched between the rows. Christophe Baron's Hors Catégorie vineyard was planted in 2011, the first vineyard on the steep hillside along the North Fork of the Walla Walla River. It sits in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, beneath ragged cliffs, with vines rooted in fractured basalt and climbing to 1,492 feet at the top. The Syrah is planted very densely, at 3,555 vines per acre and just 3.5 feet apart, in poor soil. Like all of Baron's vineyards it's farmed biodynamically, with cows, goats, sheep and beehives sharing the pasture 150 feet below the vines. The name loosely translates as "in a class of its own," and here that isn't bluster. 2022 was a cool vintage. If you've ever wondered what Walla Walla Syrah looks like when someone picks the hardest possible place to grow it, this is the bottle.

Shipping

Every step of the journey is managed to uphold the integrity of each bottle.

  • Nationwide Access: Flat-rate shipping available to most U.S. states with delivery in 3-5 business days.
  • Temperature-Monitored Shipping: We closely monitor weather conditions and make informed decisions to ensure shipments travel safely, with insulated packaging and refrigerated transport available when required.
  • Wine-Specific Protective Packaging: Specialized materials designed to maintain label integrity and prevent breakage during transit.
  • Provenance Assured: All wines are maintained in climate-controlled conditions at our shop until the moment of dispatch.

Returns & Exchanges

We stand behind every bottle we sell.

  • If the wine is less than 10 years old and it is corked, you may return it to us for a full refund or exchange within 60 days of purchase. You must show us proof of purchase. We understand that you may not live near a shop and that it is difficult to ship open bottles of wine to us, so if there's any problem feel free to Contact Us and we'll work it out.
  • For wines older than 10 years, the consumer bears the risk of a faulty cork, but we accept returns of older bottles if the wine is faulty as a result of improper storage. Please come by the store or Contact Us if there is a problem.
  • We may, at our discretion and to the extent permitted by law, accept returns of unopened wines within 30 days of purchase if they were properly stored by the purchaser, subject to a 15% re-stocking fee.

View our complete return policy →

Have Questions?

Our team is here to help.

Hours

Monday - Friday: 11am - 8pm

Saturday: 12pm - 5pm

CLOSED SUNDAYS

Email: help@flatiron-wines.com
Phone: (415) 780-1405


Add your content here

Antonio Galloni

99 points

"The 2022 Syrah is expressive, with potent fragrances of crushed black raspberries, cassis, sweet violets, lavender and spice. The palate is juicy in style with fresh acidity, crisp wild berry fruits and blue and purple inner florals. A distinct pepperiness saturates toward the close. The close is tannic with tart blackberry and pleasantly bitter notes of blood orange and spice." —Eric Guido

Robert Parker

96 points

"The 2022 Syrah comes from vines planted in 2011 on steep slopes of fractured basalt, which are meticulously (and biodynamically) farmed. Matured for 18 months in used French oak, it has pure, arresting scents of blackcurrant and black cherry, cracked pepper, violet and iron-like undertones. Medium-bodied, it floods the mouth with expressive, floral flavors. It has a powerful frame of velvety tannins, bright acidity and a long, fragrant finish. It should be long lived in the cellar. 313 cases were made." —Erin Brooks

More about

Wine Details

  • Grape Variety

    Syrah

  • Vintage

    2022

  • Size

    750ml

  • Farming Practice

    Biodynamic

  • Style

    Rich

  • Sweetness

    Dry

  • Body

    Full Bodied

Flatiron's Take

From the Importer

Tasting Notes & Food Pairings

Perfect Pairings

Rosemary-grilled lamb chops; braised beef short ribs; seared duck breast with a cherry or blackberry sauce; venison loin with juniper; wild mushroom and lentil ragout.

Tasting Profile

Expect a savoury, deeply fruited Syrah in the style Christophe Baron is known for: blackberry and plum alongside smoked meat, black olive, cracked pepper and a stony, mineral edge. Typically full-bodied but fresh, with firm, fine-grained tannins and a long, earthy finish. Think of a riper, more generous cousin of Northern Rhône Syrah.