The 2008 Syrah La Cote Rousse was sourced from the Ciel du Cheval and Kiona Vineyards in the Red Mountain AVA and was aged for 12 months in 50% new French oak. A bit lighter in color but with more mineral and earth notes as well as meaty blue and black fruit aromas on the palate it is more structured (something for which Red Mountain fruit is noted) but the tannins are nicely integrated behind layers of concentrated spicy fruit. This lengthy offering will benefit from 5-7 years of additional cellaring and should easily see its 20th birthday in fine form. - Jay Miller

This Red Mountain Syrah spent a year in French oak half new half once-used. The fruit is wrapped in smoke and coffee graphite and mineral scents and flavors. Crystal clear and densely packed this shows none of the funk common in many Washington Syrahs but an almost claret-like structure and grip. It should age well for a decade or longer. - P.G.

From the Ciel du Cheval and Scott Williams vineyards in the Red Mountain AVA the 2008 Betz Family Syrah La Côte Rousse is 100% Syrah that is completely destemmed. The wine offers superb aromatics of dark smoky fruits spice meat and copious crushed stone and minerals. Like Bob's other `08s the wine shows superb clarity and purity to the fruit. The palate is medium to full bodied with an overall elegant balanced character and masses of fine grained silky tannin on the finish. Give this a handful of years in the cellar and then drink over the following 10 to 15. - Jeb Dunnuck