The 2008 Rara Avis Grenache contains 8% Mourvedre and 7% Syrah. The Grenache (of which there is still relatively little in Washington) was sourced from the excellent Elderding Vineyard in Yakima Valley. Yields were a minuscule 1.5 tons of fruit per acre. The wine was aged in seasoned puncheons (500-liter barrels) with no racking. Dark ruby in color, it sports a captivating nose of black cherry, underbrush, brier, mineral, and garrigue. Spicy, racy, and savory on the palate, this slightly kinky effort may well evolve for 1-2 years but there is no reason to postpone gratification. Brett and Denise Isenhower began their Walla Walla-based winery in 1999. Their response to recessionary times has been to cut production and move primarily to direct sales. As a result, they have established a tasting room in Woodinville (where the customers are located).Tel. (509) 526-7896; www.isenhowercellars.com

The 2006 Rara Avis is composed of 69% Grenache, 22% Mourvedre, and 9% Syrah. Floral, spicy, and sensual aromatically, on the palate it could easily pass for a high class Cotes du Rhone-Villages. Drink it over the next 4 years.Isenhower Cellars- first vintage was in 1999 and current production is 4000 cases. Although located in Walla Walla, the winery sources fruit from a variety of AVAs. Two excellent quaffers are the Snapdragon and the Rose.Tel. (509) 526-7896; www.isenhowercellars.com