Bursting from the glass with a brilliant and lively nose, the 2019 Syrah explodes with aromas of black spice, dark fruit skin, oak spices and resinous purple flowers. Full-bodied and firing on all cylinders, this Syrah is already a blockbuster and will drink beautifully for the next 10-plus years. This gorgeous Syrah spent 19 months in all French oak barrels, 85% new. Bravo!

The 2018 Syrah was made with 3% Viognier and exudes dusty and juicy black fruit tones with an undercurrent of peppercorn spices, cedar, vanilla and wilted lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the wine displays a balanced structure with lifting tannins that sway with elements of black plum reduction and dried blackberry. It ends with a lingering, complex finish and lasting flavors of black cherry skin and roasted coffee bean. The wine rested in French oak for 19 months. Only 4,440 bottles were filled. Bravo!

The 2017 Syrah displays a dark ruby core with purple edges and is scented of dusty plum, blackberry and subtle baking spices followed by elements of black pepper and wet river rocks. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is spicy with a firm yet balanced structure that is delightful, offering flavors of dusty blackberries, dried herbs and bitter dark chocolate, concluding with a long lingering finish. It’s a wine of precision and is food-friendly.

The 2012 Syrah Walla Walla shows the vintage nicely with a perfumed, supple and beautifully pure profile that carries classic blackberry, licorice, smoked meats and hints of gaminess. Made from 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier that was aged in 35% new French oak, it’s perfectly balanced, has integrated acidity and is a joy to drink. I don’t think it will make old bones, but it will certainly dish out loads of pleasure over the coming 5-7 years. Ken and Ginger Harrison continue to make classy, balanced and complex wines from their estate located on the eastern side of Walla Walla. Tel. (509)526-7400; www.abeja.net

Starting off the reds, classic and cool-climate in style, the 100% Syrah 2010 Syrah is a beauty. Possessing a deep, opaque purple/ruby color, it offers up firm, focused aromas of black currants and pit styled fruits to go with notions of ground pepper, graphite, violets and spice cabinet on the nose. These traits continue on the palate where the wine is medium to full-bodied, concentrated, beautifully fresh and quite structured. Reminiscent of a top quality St. Joseph, this excellent Syrah needs 2-3 years in the cellar and will drink well for a decade or longer. Drink now-2020. www.abeja.net