Wine & Spirits magazine recently described Syrah from Washington's Yakima Valley as "easily in a league with those from the northern Rhne and southern Australia ... bold, rich and lively, seductively perfumed and heroically structured with a kiss of elegance." Expect an aromatic rush of red and black fruits; hints of chocolate, coffee, and licorice follwed by the spiciness of black pepper. Two-stage oaking keeps the fruit in check and adds great structure. The deep-purple hued wine shows well after a minimum of 3 months but definitely benefits from extended aging. One or two years in the cellar will allow the wine to grow to its full potential.