The 2008 Calico Red is composed of 47% Syrah, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 16% Malbec, with the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot aged for 20 months in seasoned French and American oak. It offers up notes of cedar, spice box, violets, herbs, and assorted black fruits followed by a forward, savory, friendly red that finishes with no hard edges. Drink this excellent value over the next 3-4 years. Annette Bergevin and Amber Lane continue to turn out excellent wines at very fair prices from their Walla Walla-based winery. The current releases, particularly the Syrah cuvees, appear to be their best wines to date. The Calico wines are always terrific values and the new releases are no exception.Tel. (509) 526-4300; www.bergevinlane.com

The 2007 Calico Red, a blend of 42% Syrah, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 4% Zinfandel, was aged for 17 months in predominantly seasoned oak. Medium purple in color, it offers up aromas of spice box, violets, blueberry, and black currant. This is followed by a medium-bodied wine with ample spicy fruit, good depth and balance, and a fruit-filled finish. It can be enjoyed over the next 4 years. Annette Bergevin and Amber Lane continue to turn out excellent wines at very fair prices from their Walla Walla-based winery.Tel. (509) 526-4300; www.bergevinlane.com

The deep crimson-colored 2006 Calico Red is a blend of 36% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah, and the balance Zinfandel and Cabernet Franc aged for 10 months in French and American oak. It exhibits an excellent nose of cedar, spice box, black cherry, and blueberry leading to a medium-bodied, ripe, flavorful wine with plenty of up-front appeal. This tasty effort will provide pleasure over the next 3-4 years. Bergevin Lane, located in Walla Walla, continues to make impressive wines at a range of price points. These three value wines are first-class.Tel. (509) 526-4300; www.bergevinlane.com

This popular mutt red is supple and smooth. What began as “an accident” in 2001 has become a complete blend, with structure and nuance and a mix of fruit, black olive, herb and earth.——P.G.(3/1/2009)—— 88