The outstanding 2005 Malbec is sold only at the winery. Revealing a more saturated color than the blend, it has a more expressive aromatic profile of spice box, earth, black currant, and black cherry. Medium- to full-bodied, it has layers of sweet fruit, good integration of oak, tannin, and acidity, and excellent length. Give it 1-2 years to fill out and drink it through 2022. Tel. (509) 525-9463; www.threeriverswinery.com

A dark, firm, muscular wine, blended with 80% Malbec and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes show flavors of the region – dark, spicy boysenberry fruit, wrapped in smoky tannins. Its excellent varietal character and concentration suggest that this wine has a potential cellar life of a decade or more.——P.G.(12/1/2007)—— 89