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By Chuck Hill

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Wines of the Week
Published May 20, 2008

More Syrahs for Spicy Foods
By Chuck Hill

Part 3 of 3
Go to Part 1
Go to Part 2

Here is a final group of Syrahs to pair with your spring and summer spicy food creations.

Olsen Estates
2006 Syrah Olsen Hills Estate
$23.00

Longtime Yakima Valley grape growers, the Olsen family built a winery in Prosser and is producing some outstanding wines from their estate vineyards. This Syrah from their Olsen Hills Vineyard offers ripe blackberry and cherry aromas with notes of smoky oak. The palate is of rich black cherry and spice with hints of anise and toasty oak on the finish.

Chateau Ste. Michelle
2003 Syrah
Columbia Valley
$18.00

This fruit-forward Syrah offers ripe blueberry and cherry notes with hints of smoky toast and notes of citrus. The palate is rich and complex and complements the spicy flavors of barbecued pork served with jalapeno cornbread and black beans.

Kana Winery
2004 Dark Star, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Grenache
$20.00

This delicious wine offers a pedigree of some of the finest vineyards in the Yakima Valley. A nose of rich berry and black currant with notes tobacco and pepper lead to a full-bodied palate with flavors of blackberry, blueberry, coffee and spicy oak. Great with a spicy peppercorn steak!


Dusty Cellars Winery
2006 Syrah
Washington
$24.00

Ryan and Dusty Kramer recently opened their winery to the public at their location on Camano Island - only a mile or two from my home there. Their 2006 Syrah offers smoky/toasty and berry aromas and the palate adds spicy and peppery notes. A fine effort for a new winery. Open by appointment (appointments encouraged!). 360-387-2729.
 

Maryhill Winery
2005 Syrah
Columbia Valley
$20.00

Be sure to visit the spectacular Maryhill Winery when you are in the Columbia Gorge area.  Check their website for upcoming summer events.  The 2005 Maryhill Syrah offers a complex aroma of bright strawberry, plum, white pepper and hints of dark chocolate. The palate adds ripe cherry with notes of spicy oak.

Robert Karl
2006 Syrah
Horse Heaven Hills
$30.00

Visit the winery in downtown Spokane for a visit with the Gunselman family, owners of Robert Karl Cellars. This rich Syrah offers aromas of blueberry, earth and meaty bacon, and notes of toasty oak and anise. The palate is full bodied with blackberry and cherry flavors finishing with notes of cocoa and toasty licorice.

Whidbey Island Winery
2004 Syrah
Crawford Vineyard
Yakima Valley 
$23.00

Greg and Elizabeth Osenbach welcome visitors to their winery near Langley on Whidbey Island's south end. This 2004 Syrah is a big, juicy wine with aromas of plum, cherry and toasty oak. The palate is firm and rich with flavors of blueberry complemented by hints of tar and mint. A great wine for your richest spicy foods.

Columbia Crest
2004 Shiraz, Two Vines
$8.00

This is a great red wine for sipping as well as serving with your spicy summer fare. The nose features black cherry, plum and spicy notes. The palate is medium bodied with berry flavors and a soft, supple finish. Good value!

Wilridge Winery
2005 Syrah
Elephant Mountain Vineyard
$24.00

This tasty wine is jam packed with rich berry flavors and intriguing nuances of tobacco, cocoa and toasty oak. The full-bodied palate cries out to accompany a spicy barbecued brisket or steak au poivre. Another hit for Paul Beveridge and Lysle Wilhelmi!

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