Columbia Crest

2002 Shiraz Columbia Valley Two Vines ($8). Ripe red cherry and berry flavors are jammy and slightly extracted, but the black pepper and baking spice aromas and flavors add interest, with a burst of acidity on the finish. A lot of wine for the money. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 02/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2001 Syrah Columbia Valley Grand Estates ($11). Truthfully liked the bouquet on this wine more than anything else, with its lovely red berry, white pepper and floral notes. On the palate, it goes simpler, with straightforward bright red berry and an underlying warm spice character. But easy drinking and priced accordingly. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks 02/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Colvin Vineyards 2001 Syrah Walla Walla Valley Patina Vineyard ($23). If you like funky, gamy Syrahs (like I do!), you’re going to like this wine. Waves of complex wild plum and blackberry fruit are layered with leather and earthy vanilla. Ready to drink now and over the next 5-6 years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Covey Run

2002 Syrah Washington ($9). Smooth black currant fruit is accented with aromatic dark chocolate, coffee and smoky oak – all on a medium-bodied, easy-drinking frame. Deep and pretty, showing some restraint. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Robyn’s Picks 02/05) Locate this wine online or in your area. 

2001 Syrah Columbia Valley Barrel Select ($13). Big and ripe, offering juicy red currant and cherry flavors mingling with smoky oak and a hit of warm spices. Big, chewy tannic structure – there’s nothing shy about this wine! Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Robyn’s Picks 02/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Gordon Brothers

2006 Syrah Columbia Valley ($20). Appealing, aromatic blackberry and black currant fruit is laced with mint, mocha and licorice, with slightly earthy tannins supporting a smooth, lengthy finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-08-23)

2003 Tradition Columbia Valley ($45). Complex and savory, with layers of baking spices, smoke and briar accenting the smooth blackberry and black cherry aromas and flavors. Good length and chalky tannins. A nearly 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with just a dash of Syrah. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-04-08)

Hogue

2002 Syrah Columbia Valley Genesis ($16). Mouthwatering aromas and flavors include cinnamon, raspberry, cherry, toasty oak, meat and cedar — all mingling together on a bright, silky finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 10/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2000 Syrah Columbia Valley Genesis ($17). Appealing game and bacon aromas and flavors accent lush red cherry and plum fruit, picking up black pepper and toasty oak through the lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Weekend Wine 06/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Olsen Estates 2006 Syrah Columbia Valley ($42). Concentrated black currant and berry fruit is tightly wound, but with such silky tannins that it’s almost too easy to drink. With complex accents of coffee, black pepper, tar and earth that linger on the generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-04-08)

Reininger 2006 Syrah Columbia Valley Helix ($27). offers ripe, aromatic blueberry, blackberry and plum fruit layered with chocolate, wild herbs and earthy notes that linger on the lush finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-04)