The 2008 Ethos Syrah spent 20 months in 63% new French and American oak. Dense purple-colored, it delivers inviting aromas of smoked meat, hung game, pepper, tapenade, blueberry, and blackberry. Plush on the palate with a velvety texture, it is long on rich flavor but short on complexity. It has the stuffing to evolve for a few years so perhaps that will emerge with additional bottle age.Chateau Ste. Michelle's portfolio remains strong.www.ste-michelle.com