Here’s a great Syrah from a vineyard not specifically known for this grape. It immediately impacts the palate with concentrated flavors of raspberry and cassis swathed in coffee liqueur, dark chocolate and a hint of red licorice. This has great concentration and length; drink it over the next 6–8 years. — (9/1/2012) —94

The 2008 Syrah Ciel du Cheval Vineyard (100%) was aged in 40% new French and Hungarian oak for 21 months. It offers up considerably more complexity, depth, and concentration than the regular bottling. It also provides more structure and will benefit from 1-2 years of additional cellaring. Drink this outstanding Syrah from 2012 to 2020. Tamarack Cellars remains a consistent producer of quality wines at fair prices as the latest releases attest.Tel. (509) 526-3533; www.tamarackcellars.com

The 2007 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Reserve is made up of 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and 28% Cabernet Franc aged for 22 months in 75% new French oak. Purple in color, it exhibits a nose of pain grille, mineral, violets, incense, and brooding black fruits. On the palate the Red Mountain tannins are well-tamed, leaving layered fruit, a plush palate feel, loads of spice, and a wine with plenty of volume and impeccable balance. Give it 3-4 years to fully blossom and drink it from 2013 to 2027. Tel. (509) 526-3533; www.tamarackcellars.com

This pure, single-vineyard, Red Mountain Syrah shows pronounced minerality. There are interesting aromatic hints of herb and diesel, and a strong streak of gun metal running down the midpalate. The fruit is spicy, substantial and earthy, with thick, lightly chocolaty tannins and a long finish.——P.G.(9/1/2010)—— 91

There is one Rhone-based wine in the collection, the 2006 Syrah Ciel du Cheval Vineyard. (100% varietal) aged in 40% new French and Hungarian oak. The nose exhibits smoked meat, bacon, and blueberry leading to a full-bodied, dense, chewy wine with plenty of succulent fruit, some structure, and a friendly personality. It can be enjoyed over the next 6-8 years. Tel. (509) 526-3533; www.tamarackcellars.com