The 2009 Syrah Three Vineyards was aged for 24 months in 40% new oak. It is a glass-coating opaque purple color with an alluring bouquet of smoked meat, game, pepper, lavender, and blueberry. Succulent and layered on the palate, it has the structure to blossom for another 2-3 years and will provide pleasure through 2021. If I were forced to name a single Washington winery offering the best value across the entire range of their portfolio, it might well be Arbor Crest. I made that statement one year ago and these new releases only reinforce my view.Tel. (509) 927-9463; www.arborcrest.com

A gorgeous wine, dense with flavor. Smooth and plummy, it’s loaded with thick streaks of licorice, chocolate, baking spices and coffee liqueur. Long and flowing, it just seduces from the first sip to the last swallow.——P.G.(12/15/2011)—— 92