Cimento Syrah "River Rock Estate Vineyard" 2021
(The Rocks District, Milton Freewater, Oregon) - [IWR 98] [JD 97] [OB 97] [WE 96] [DM 95] [VM 94]

About the Winery:
Cimento began in 2017 with the belief that the Walla Walla Valley was poised to rise on the world wine stage. The founders were particularly intrigued by a small wine-growing appellation called The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, where a unique 3,600-acre area possessed one essential quality for global significance: terroir. The winery is focused entirely on its estate vineyards in The Rocks District of Milton- Freewater, Oregon. The wines are crafted by Winemaker Todd Alexander in their state-of-the-art facility, utilizing minimal intervention techniques to create true wines-of-place.

The Rocks District is known for being the only US AVA defined by a single soil series, with a typicity showing savory notes in the wines.

About Winemaker Todd Alexander:
Hailing from Napa Valley, Todd gained invaluable experience and rose to prominence while working on production teams at renowned wineries such as Plumpjack and CADE. His talent and dedication eventually led him to the esteemed position of winemaker at the illustrious Bryant Family Vineyard. In 2014, Todd made a bold move, relocating his family to Washington to assume the role of winemaker at Force Majeure. Simultaneously, he embarked on his own venture, founding Holocene wines. Todd’s creations have consistently received critical acclaim, earning him a well-deserved status as one of the foremost winemaking talents in the United States.

Stephen Morina, who was previously assistant winemaker at Force Majeure under Alexander, took over winemaking responsibilities in 2025. Anthony Yount, who has 20 years of winemaking experience in Paso Robles, began serving as consulting winemaker in 2025.

About this Wine:

The Rocks District of Milton Freewater AVA
100% Syrah
10% Whole Cluster
Stainless Steel Fermentation
25-day maceration
Native Yeast, Minimal Intervention
Elevage 18 months in 33% new French oak
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
472 cases produced

Ratings & Reviews

98 Points - International Wine Review:
"An intensely aromatic and deeply expressive wine. The nose immediately captivates with layers of black olive tapenade, charred earth, and smoked meat, interwoven with notes of crushed violets, cracked pepper, and wild herbs. On the palate, it is both powerful and graceful, showcasing a seamless balance between savory depth and vibrant acidity. Briny blackberries, roasted plum, and a whisper of dark cocoa unfold over a core of iron-rich minerality and beef jus. Velvety tannins frame the structure, leading to a remarkably long finish where hints of dried herbs and crushed rock linger. This masterfully crafted Syrah embodies the signature umami-laced complexity of the Rocks District, with the potential to evolve beautifully over the next two decades. Highly recommended."

97 Points - Owen Bargreen:
"The 2021 Cimento Syrah underwent 10% whole cluster fermentation, The wine comes from the Le Mani Vineyard in the Rocks District. Stored in 33% new French oak for 18 months this delivers black olive tapenade and smoldering stone alongside Umami and bacon fat notes. The palate is refined and elegant with a smooth mouthfeel and wonderful stony character. The savory character and tart black fruits with beef drippings really adds to the enjoyment. Drink 2024-2034- 97" (Dec 2024)

97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2021 Syrah River Rock Vineyard comes from the Le Mani (River Rock) Vineyard in the Rocks region of the Walla Walla Valley and is 100% Syrah aged in one-third new French oak. It has a vivid purple hue as well as beautiful aromatics of red, blue, and black fruits along with classic cool-climate Syrah notes of lavender, game, ground pepper, and violets. These all carry over to the palate, where the wine is medium to full-bodied, has a pure, layered, seamless mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and not a hard edge to be found. It will evolve for 15+ years if well stored and is one hell of an impressive Syrah from this team." (Jul 2024)

96 Points & Cellar Selection - Wine Enthusiast:
"After 18 months in French oak, 33% new, this Syrah is eager to make friends for life. Or at least for the next 20 years if it is stored properly. Black fruit and wild boar ragu aromas erupt from the glass, followed by measured bursts of dark chocolate, English violets and black pepper. A beautiful partnership between bright acidity and firm tannins provides a backdrop for the Syrah's blackberry, orange zest and pork fat flavors. You will find all of the food pairing suggestions you need tucked away in this note. Enjoy." – Michael Alberty (Feb 2026)

95 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Meaty and umami-borne, this Syrah from the newly named Le Mani Vineyard is labelled as from The River Rock Estate Vineyard, but they are one and the same. It spends 18 months in 30% new French oak and unfurls a complexity of charred meat, black olives, and brine, framed by an undeniable dessicated violet tone. The palate is inky and savoury. With a river rock minerality that underscores smoky exotic spice, flourishes of dried orange peel, mace and a lush finish of smoky pancetta." – Clive Pursehouse (Aug 2025)

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Syrah River Rock Estate Vineyard is bright and focused in the glass with wet stone, violet and lavender tones giving way to citrus-laced blackberries. It's soft and pliant with ripe red berry fruit and sweet spice nuances accelerated by racy acidity. The 2021 finishes fresh with medium length and crunchy tannins, leaving the mouth watering for more." – Eric Guido (Oct 2024)