The 2008 Syrah Blend was sourced from two different parcels of Boushey Vineyard and aged in 75-80% new French oak. Smoked meat, game, balsamic, lavender, plum, and blueberry aromas are inviting. In the glass the wine is plush, layered, but with a firm underpinning. The flavors are ripe and succulent, the wine’s balance impeccable. Give this lengthy effort 1-2 years of cellaring and drink it from 2012 to 2020. French ex-pat Marie-Eve Gilla is a partner and winemaker of Forgeron Cellars, located in Walla Walla. These are the finest wines I have tasted to date from this reliable source.Tel. (509) 522-9463; www.forgeroncellars.com

Forgeron makes a full-bodied style of Syrah, with an almost jammy midpalate loaded with boysenberry and blueberry fruit. Veins of herb and loam lead into a generously chocolaty finish. The fruit is 100% from the Boushey Vineyard.——P.G.(4/1/2012)—— 90