The 2008 Syrah, sourced from three superb terroirs, spent 24 months in 40% new oak. Opaque purple/black, it sports an alluring bouquet of smoke, game, bacon, blueberry, and incense. Dense, rich, and concentrated on the palate with layers of ripe blue and black fruits and loads of spice, it can be enjoyed now for its fleshy fruit but has enough stuffing to unwind for 2-3 more years. It is an outstanding value. If I was forced to name a single Washington winery offering the best value across the entire range of their portfolio, it might well be Arbor Crest.Tel. (509) 927-9463; www.arborcrest.com

Stillwater Creek, Conner Lee and Bacchus vineyards provided the fruit for this young, sappy and rich Syrah. It captures the varietal character of the grape, especially as expressed in Washington State. Inviting aromas of berries and chocolate, bright and fresh, lead into brambly red fruits, umami-soaked mushrooms and moist earth.——P.G.(9/1/2010)—— 91