Syrah plays big role in Northwest red blends

Coyote Canyon Winery 2012 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Tres Cruces Red Wine, Horse Heaven Hills, $25

One of the most delicious trends in the Pacific Northwest wine industry is the growth of GSM-style offerings — bottlings using Rhône Valley varieties Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. John Gabriel’s final vintage as winemaker for owner/grower Mike Andrews produced this blend that leads with Syrah (42%), and the barrel program leads to deep and smoky aromas of toast, roasted coffee and nutmeg with Bing cherry and blackberry. There’s oak influence on the palate, too, but there’s still plenty of juicy Marionberry and blueberry flavors to support. Notes of vanilla, black tea and tobacco emerge in the finish.

Rating: Excellent

Production: 295 cases

Alcohol: 14.8%

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