The 2008 River Beauty Syrah (100%) was sourced entirely from the Elderding Vineyard, a mix of the Phelps and Sara Lee clones. It was aged in once-used French oak for 18 months. Elements of smoke, bacon, blueberry, and lavender lead to a sweetly-fruited, ripe, spicy, concentrated wine with excellent depth and a lengthy, pure finish. Give it 1-2 years to fully blossom and drink it from 2012 to 2020. Brett and Denise Isenhower began their Walla Walla-based winery in 1999. Their response to recessionary times has been to cut production and move primarily to direct sales. As a result, they have established a tasting room in Woodinville (where the customers are located).Tel. (509) 526-7896; www.isenhowercellars.com

The 2007 River Beauty Syrah (100%) was sourced from the Elderding Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. It is a glass-coating opaque purple color with an inviting nose of smoke, pepper, game, bacon, lavender, and blueberry. Rich and plush on the palate, it has plenty of layered fruit, spicy flavors, and a lengthy, pure finish. Drink this pleasure-bent effort over the next 8 years. Brett and Denise Isenhower began their Walla Walla-based winery in 1999. Their response to recessionary times has been to cut production and move primarily to direct sales. As a result, they have established a tasting room in Woodinville (where the customers are located).Tel. (509) 526-7896; www.isenhowercellars.com

Isenhower Cellars, a 3,300-case Walla Walla winery, started in 1999. The winery purchases and blends grapes from a variety of AVAs. The 2004 Syrah “River Beauty” was barrel-fermented and then aged for 16 months in French oak. It emits classic Syrah perfume of smoke, leather, bacon, sausage, and blueberry. Made in a forward style, this ripe, spicy Syrah has plenty of depth and a long, pure finish. There is enough structure to ensure pleasant drinking through 2020.Tel. (509) 526-7896; www.isenhowercellars.com