This wide open Syrah shows berry and heavy vanilla notes. As the flavors wind through the palate, the back end seems to tighten up, and it finishes with a somewhat green, lightly herbal flourish. — (4/1/2013) —87

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

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