Never underestimate critics overrating a wine but to actually give a smoke tainted wine scores in the low to mid 90s is not acceptable. Jeb did it again with 96. This is significantly worse than the last tasting of it and with smoke taint the wines will get even worse. Again the top reviewer in the world calling out smoke tainted wines and proud to be independent.
2020 K Vintners Syrah Powerline Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley (10/30/2024)
Day 1: Not showing the normal fruit you would expect from this wine. Smoke taint for sure with plum, dirt, spice and tar. Short to medium finish. Concerns.
Day 2: Not as bad as the Creator but getting some smoke taint on this wine. Burnt toast, muted fruits, spices, dirt and olives. These wines are usually bursting with flavors but not seeing it on this wine. Very concerned about these 2020 wines from K. 80 points
Day 3: Charcoal, chalk, mild spice, light fruit and dirt. This wine is the 2nd purchased from WTSO that is clearly smoke tainted. Stay clear of the Powerline Vineyard wines.
Recommendation: Don’t buy no matter the discount.
Amazing how many don’t detect smoke taint. Leading expert in the world. (80 points)
Review from today.
2020 K Vintners Syrah Powerline Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley (11/27/2025)
Day 1: Well amazing how many critics gave this a good score. . Well this is even worse off than the last bottle I had which I gave 80 points. No fruit on the nose or palate which is hallmark for a smoke tainted wine. Campfire ash, black olives, muted fruit and a short finish. What an unpleasant aftertaste. Really need a mint to get rid of this horrible finish. What a terrible wine. 64 points (64 points)
Dunnick 96, Vinous 93, WA 93+ & WS 92.
Honest wine reviews. Thanks.