This particular bottling belongs with the very best Syrahs from this Syrah-infatuated state. A broad, toasty, full-bodied and fully realized wine, it has begun to smooth out from the extra years in bottle, but has a long life ahead. Berries, cherries, chocolate, coffee, mocha, tobacco, fungus, graphite… the flavors go and go.——P.G.(7/1/2011)—— 94

Always among the very best of the McCrea Syrahs, the 2005 Boushey Grande Cote brings blue fruits, composted earth, unfunky leather, cedar bark, smoked meats and more into play. It’s simply one of the most complex Syrahs made anywhere in Washington, from a grand cru site that is absolutely made for the grape. As with the 2004, the flavor notes just keep on coming—cured ham, black truffle, charcoal, pencil lead, toasted nuts. Wow.——P.G.(9/1/2009)—— 93