The 2008 Syrah Stillwater Creek Vineyard, aromas of smoke, meat, spice box, and blueberry inform the nose of a succulent, forward, nicely proportioned Syrah that will provide enjoyment for another 5-7 years. Guardian Cellars was launched in 2003 by Jerry Riener, a full-time police officer, hence some of the names assigned to his wines. The winery officially opened in 2007 and current production stands at 3600 cases.www.guardiancellars.com

You’ll find great purity of fruit in this 100% Syrah, aged in 50% new French oak. Berries and plums fill in a gorgeous midpalate, then streaks of spice and coffee kick in, with a lovely vein of cured meat. In short, a classic cool-climate Syrah, beautifully rendered.——P.G.(12/15/2011)—— 91

The 2007 Syrah Stillwater Creek Vineyard is a glass-coating, opaque purple. It reveals an excellent aromatic array of smoke, game, bacon, Asian spices, lavender, and blueberry. Balanced, spicy, and layered on the palate, this succulently fruited Syrah will evolve for 2-3 years but can be approached now. Guardian Cellars was launched n 2003 by Jerry Reiner, a full-time police officer, hence some of the names assigned to his wines. The winery officially opened in 2007 and current production stands at 1500 cases.www.guardiancellars.com

This citrusy Syrah, from a vineyard on the Royal Slope, spent 18 months in 75% new French oak. Yet it is not oaky or even particularly toasty; what comes through are tart berry flavors with a backbone of leaf and stem. It shows some heat in the finish, and a wash of chalky chocolate. This is a wine to decant. ——P.G.(12/31/2010)—— 89

All the fruit is from Wahluke Slope vineyard, with 2% Viognier. Aged for 17 months in French oak, this is a big step up from the 2005. The fruit scents are bold and pure, showing lush berry notes and leading gracefully into a darker mix of smoke, coffee grounds, tobacco and licorice. There is a lot of barrel influence, but the fruit is so good that it can take it. This is a wine to drink young and savor.——P.G.(3/1/2009)—— 90