3 from the Evergreen State...

2006 Syzygy Syrah WWV
I can't believe that I don't buy more Syzygy. Everytime one is poured down my gullet it makes me smile. This wine was no exception. I was a little nervous at first as the color was deep, dark purple and that usually means blueberry pie for WA State syrah. Not the case here, as crushed blackberries, currants, and subtle hints of asphalt. Big in the mouth, gushing layers of concentrated dark fruit, acid, and a little bit of sticky tannins. Hefty finish leads me to think this wine will improve with short term cellaring but plenty tasty now, so why wait? Terrific QPR as well. 92pts.

2001 Barons V Cabernet
First vintage of this cab and it seems a bit long in the proverbial tooth. I had enjoyed this upon release four years ago but I was also more tolerant of oak back in the "young" wine consumer days. More red than blue accented with garnet edges, this wine did have some of the typical cab aromas--currants and plums--but also possessed a smell of declining wood. Harsh and astringent on the palate, leaving the decent core of fruit in the dust. The fruit was just no match for the oak and tannin still present. Hopefully, my bottles of the 02, 03, and 04 will fair better. 84pts.

2004 Buty Beast Cabernet of the Stones
Popped and let sit for about an hour. This cab from Buty was made from grapes from Cayuse's Cailloux Vineyard, hence the name "Cabernet of the Stones." Surprisingly medium-bodied with aromas or kirsch liqueur, roasted plums, violets, and herbs de provence. Supple tannins and well integrated oak defer to the simple, but lush fruit as this wine goes down easy. I didn't remember this wine being so elegant and feminine from the previous two bottles comsumed. Time has morphed this wine into a wine drinking pleasure. Tuesday night has never been so good! 92pts.