The 2006 Syrah Seven Hills is purple-colored with an alluring bouquet of mineral, lavender, smoked meat, game, and blueberry. Ripe, velvety-textured, and succulent, this pleasure-bent effort will evolve for 2-3 years and drink well for a decade. L’Ecole No. 41 is one of Walla Walla’s pioneers, the third modern day winery in the Valley. Over the years the winery has prospered, outgrown the namesake schoolhouse, and now produces about 35,000 cases with distribution in all 50 states and abroad. Despite the expansion, quality has remained consistently excellent. Tel. (509) 525-0940; www.lecole.com

The 2006 Syrah Seven Hills is purple-colored with an alluring bouquet of mineral, lavender, smoked meat, game, and blueberry. Ripe, velvety-textured, and succulent, this pleasure-bent effort will evolve for 2-3 years and drink well for a decade. L’Ecole No. 41 is one of Walla Walla’s pioneers, the third modern day winery in the Valley. Over the years the winery has prospered, outgrown the namesake schoolhouse, and now produces about 35,000 cases with distribution in all 50 states and abroad. Despite the expansion, quality has remained consistently excellent.Tel. (509) 525-0940; www.lecole.com

There are three benches at the estate vineyard —west, north and south-facing. This 100% Syrah is a blend of two of them. You get the more earthy Northern Rhone attributes; exotic scents of herb and cured meat—not bacon fat from the barrel but legitimate flavors from the terroir. In 2006 it’s tight, edgy and still youthful; this is an ageworthy Syrah that will expand and develop over the next 6–8 years. For the moment, it needs decanting to show its best. After breathing, as the wine opens, new layers of flavor emerge: soy, vanilla, raisin and buttered nuts. ——P.G.(11/1/2008)—— 91