The 2005 Syrah offers earth, meat, crushed violets and blueberry jam in its aromatics and flavors. There is good depth and concentration but not much complexity in this straightforward wine. Drink it now and over the next 10-12 years. The good news is that the best is yet to come from Abeja. I tasted barrel samples of a 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. The 2005 Cabernet blows away the 2004, and the 2005 Reserve is even better. The winery has 32 acres of estate vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA, and starting with the 2005 vintage, an increasing amount of the production will come from those vines. Tel. (509) 526-7400; www.Abeja-Winery.com

Saturated medium ruby. Captivating aromas of dark raspberry, game, violet, smoke and roasted meat. Supple, lush and sweet, with rich smoked meat and nutty oak flavors perked up by an exotic suggestion of white fruits. Smooth, gamey and varietally expressive syrah whose ripe acids give it verve and extend the finish.