Opening with a perfumed nose, the 2016 Syrah Reserve Coyote Canyon Vineyard offers a core of firm black fruits that are slightly stewed. Full-bodied, the 15.5% alcohol seems to push through, leaving a juicy black-fruited essence on the mid-palate before ending with a straightforward finish, which leaves me wanting a touch more precision and finesse. There's plenty to be happy about with this expression.

Smoke, black fruits and crushed rock characteristics all emerge from the 2014 Syrah Reserve Coyote Canyon Vineyard, and it's rich, concentrated, tannic and chewy on the palate. Give it a year and drink over the following 4-5 years. The blend in 2014 is 96% Syrah and 4% Grenache.

In a similar sexy, polished and forward style as the Coyote Canyon Vineyard Reserve, the 2012 Syrah Reserve Coyote Canyon Vineyard checks in as a blend of 89% Syrah, 8% Grenache and 3% Viognier, all of which was destemmed and aged 18 months in new French and American oak. It exhibits lots of new leather, vanilla bean, creamy licorice and sweet black raspberry aromas and flavors to go with a medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, balanced and highly drinkable feel on the palate. There’s certainly a modern vibe here, and the American oak shows, but this is beautifully done and hard to resist. Drink it anytime over the coming 4-5 years.

The 2008 Reserve Syrah Coyote Canyon Vineyard is a glass-coating opaque purple color. Smoke, game, bacon, and blueberry aromas are enticing but on the palate the wine is narrow and austere. It could evolve and elevate its pleasure quotient but that is a gamble.Columbia Crest, part of the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, is Washington's largest winery. It produces mammoth amounts of wine (2,000,000+ cases) at a remarkably high level of quality. A visit to the cellars reveals brilliant organization, high morale, and a sense of personal involvement by the staff that undoubtedly adds value to the finished wine.www.columbia-crest.com