Que Syrah Syrah ... Syrah

There's no man who truly knows too much ... about Washington wines. OK, stupid joke – "Que Sera, Sera"? Doris Day? Hitchcock's The Man Who Knew Too Much? Anyway, in all seriousness, here's the one thing you do need to know about Washington wines: Almost nowhere else in the world will you find higher-quality reds for the price. Certainly not in the Northern Rhône, where similarly serious and beautifully styled Syrahs cost twice as much. And don't look Down Under, either, where you often have to pay much more to experience this sort of enjoyment.

In southwestern Washington, on the other side of the mountains and far from Seattle, you'll find a warm, sunny and dry climate that's ideally suited to Syrah. The critics love these wines for their superior balance, finesse and ability to age, never mind how delicious they are with food. There's no question that you'll agree, especially since you don't have to spend a small fortune on these Syrahs.

Start out with the Va Piano from Columbia Valley. Owner and winemaker Justin Wylie only releases his wines when they're ready; va piano is Italian for "go slowly," which is exactly what you'll do after you uncork this bottle, savoring every sip.

After that, your appetite should be whetted for the Waters Syrah, from a single vineyard owned by the Figgins family – of famed Leonetti Cellar – in the beautiful Walla Walla Valley. Rock-musician-turned-winemaker Jamie Brown has made the sort of ripe, concentrated, spicy Syrah that Northern Rhône winemakers only dream they could make.

And then there's the Sequel, a masterful blend of grapes from some of Washington's best vineyards, made by one of the world's top winemakers, John Duval, former winemaker of Australia's Penfolds Grange. This fruity, peppery red is in its prime at five years young, but it'll blow your mind anytime you open it in the next decade.

You won't find three better Syrahs for this price, period. And if you somehow convince yourself to skip this offer, well, that's more wine for the rest of us. Whatever will be, will be ...

Tasting Notes
2007 Sequel Columbia Valley Syrah
Deep purple-red in the glass, this Syrah displays powerful aromas of ripe blackberry and black cherry laced with hints of sage, fennel and cracked white peppercorn. The palate is velvety and full, but still fresh. Flavors include a range of juicy black fruits, such as cherry, berries and plum. The finish is long, warm and peppery. You can enjoy this fine wine now or during the next couple of years. Yes, it can go much longer, but at its current five years of age, it is just beautiful. I would pour it to accompany grilled steak-and-vegetable kebabs. (14.7% ABV)

2008 Va Piano Vineyards Columbia Valley Syrah
Deep purple in the glass, this wine displays powerful aromas: ripe blackberry, fresh violet and creamy vanilla, all lightly accented with cocoa and cracked peppercorn notes. In the mouth, it's full, round and silky. There are beautifully creamy black fruit flavors, echoing the nose. The wine finishes with a hint of spicy peppercorn and the refreshing tingle of balancing acidity. This Syrah will please almost everyone. Enjoy it now or during the next four years. Pair a bottle with a dinner of venison and grilled vegetables. (14.2% ABV)

2009 Waters Loess Walla Walla Valley Syrah
Deep purple-garnet in the glass, this wine displays amazing aromas: olive tapenade, smoke, cocoa and ripe black fruits. On the palate, black berry and cherry flavors are much more evident than on the nose, but they are accented by those same funky olive notes as well as spicy peppercorn. This Rhône-ish red has great weight but is still fresh and lively. Enjoy the Loess Syrah now or let it evolve over three to five years. Pair it with game birds and root vegetables. (14.1% ABV)

—Lot18