2011 Chateau Ste. Michelle Syrah Ethos Reserve

(from Cold Creek and from Stone Tree Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope; harvested on the late side in 2011, around October 15): Healthy bright ruby. Candied blueberry, black raspberry and licorice on the nose, along with a whiff of peppery reduction. On the palate, the dark fruit flavors are joined by chocolate, coffee, Brazil nut and game, giving this rather dense a wine a seamless quality and a touch of warmth. Medicinal, chewy, tongue-dusting tannins build on the back end, keeping the wine’s sweetness in check. An adult style of Syrah, and worth another look in a few years.