The 2008 Lost Soul Syrah (100%) is sourced from the Marcoux block of the Red Willow Vineyard in Yakima Valley. The wine was fermented naturally and aged in 33% new French oak. Cigar box, smoked meat, game, Asian spices, and blueberry aromas compose the bouquet of this already complex effort. Plush on the palate with just enough structure to hold the wine together, this tasty effort should be consumed over the next 4-5 years. Mark Ryan McNeilly began his winery in 2000 and his new releases nicely display his talent as well as his penchant for fruit from the Red Mountain AVA. Tel. (206) 910-7967; www.markryanwinery.com

Sourced from Mike Sauer’s Les Vignes de Marcoux Vineyard (near Red Willow), this sends up classic Yakima Valley Syrah scents––black tea, seaside funk, and umami, with drying tannins that seem soaked in ripe black cherry fruit. Juicy finish, with a streak of lemony acidity. ——P.G.(9/1/2011)—— 92