Broadly fruity at first, this turns a little loose-knit, like a Grateful Dead jam. It’s compelling but not terribly tight; it meanders into leaf and tea, then chocolate, then back to the light and pretty red fruits.——P.G.(12/15/2011)—— 91

With the extra bottle age, this newest release of McCrea’s Boushey/Ciel blend is powerful, but approachable. The black and blue fruit flavors are pure and spiced with something almost minty; the body of the wine is textural and veined with rock, lead pencil and coffee. This wine has the muscle and concentration to go another decade in the cellar.——P.G.(9/1/2009)—— 92

The 2004 Syrah Cuvee Orleans contains 6% Viognier. Dark ruby-colored, it offers up aromas of damp earth, floral notes, black cherry, and blueberry. Silky on the palate, it conceals enough structure for 2-3 more years of cellaring Enjoy this full-flavored effort through 2017.Doug McCrea is one of Washington’s leading proponents of Rhone Ranger style wines. He gets considerable credit for getting Syrah underway in the State. He currently produces 3500 cases from his new winery from some of Washington’s finest terroirs.www.mccreacellars.com