The 2004 Sequel Syrah is made by John Duval, for 15 years the winemaker of Penfolds Grange, Australia’s most famous Shiraz. The fruit was sourced from five vineyards encompassing several AVAs and includes 3% Cabernet Sauvignon in the final blend. Ninety percent of the wine was aged for 18 months in small French oak. Purple/black in color, this superb Syrah offers grilled meat, bacon fat, game and wild blueberry aromas and flavors. On the palate the wine is spicy, layered, and plush with soft tannins and enough acidity to hold things together. This hedonistic effort can be enjoyed now but will easily last for 20+ years. Kudos to Alan Shoup for directing a project in which every wine (and winemaker) turned in an outstanding performance. Long Shadows is a winery begun by Alan Shoup, the long-time CEO of Stimson Lane and Chateau Ste.-Michelle. It is a consortium of seven different brands (labels), each with its own star winemaker who has a 25% share in the brand. The concept is that each “?is dedicated to producing a single Columbia Valley wine representing a ‘best of type’ that reflects the winemaker’s signature style.” Tel. (425) 467-9398; www.longshadows.com

Made in a consistent style, this already delivers lush berry, plum, cherry and currant fruit, wrapped in generous new oak (90% of the wine was aged in small French oak barrels). Winemaker John Duval keeps the alcohol at a sensible 14.3%, and adds a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon to stiffen the spine. ——P.G.(5/1/2007)—— 92