Chunky, forward fruit—a rush of blackberries and black cherry—introduces a full-flavored wine that won’t challenge you but will satisfy. The oak treatment is still a little jagged, but the light mocha flavors that wrap around the finish are hard to resist.——P.G.(4/1/2012)—— 88

Co-fermented with Viognier (for the first time at Ste. Michelle), this aims for a brighter, softer style of Syrah. It’s plenty soft, pleasantly accessible, and lightly toasty. The smoothness seems to have eliminated some of the brightness, the hills and valleys that make Syrah so distinctive in Washington.——P.G.(12/15/2011)—— 87

Syrah is a real strength in Washington, but this wine does not capture the depth and detail of which it is capable. It’s a pleasant, light, well balanced, generic red wine, with brambly blackberry fruit and gentle tannins. ——P.G.(12/31/2010)—— 85