Slightly richer and more concentrated than the Signature Syrah, yet still playing in the elegant, seamless style of the vintage, the 2011 Doyenne Syrah Grand Ciel Vineyard is 100% Syrah that was aged in 35% new French oak. Possessing beautiful black raspberry, currants, licorice, crushed rock-like minerality and hints of graphite, this beauty flows onto the palate with full-bodied richness, fabulous purity of fruit and a seamless, silky texture that carries through the finish. Give it a year or two and drink bottles through 2024. Tel. (425) 489-0544; www.delillecellars.com

Even richer, with additional concentration and texture, the 2011 Doyenne Syrah Grand Ciel Vineyard is 100% Syrah that’s aged in 35% new French oak. Loaded with promising aromas and flavors of blackberry, mineral, game and assorted meaty qualities, it has a full-bodied, powerful profile, layers of texture and beautiful focus and cut. As with the Signature Syrah, it will benefit from short-term cellaring, but a 12-15 year drink window isn’t out of the question. Drink 2015-2026. Making their wines in a Woodinville facility and pulling grapes from a number of eastern Washington AVAs, DeLille Cellars was founded in the early nineties and is a reference point estate. The wines are made by Chris Upchurch, with help from Jason Gorski and Louis Skinner in the cellar. They’ve split up the brand into two different labels: Doyenne for all Rhone-styled blends, and Chaleur Estate for their Bordeaux blends and straight Cabernet Sauvignon releases. Both 2010 and 2011 are incredibly strong here, and with regards to the Doyenne releases, represent some of the best wines I’ve tasted from them.Tel. (425) 489-0544; www.delillecellars.com