Barnard Griffin, Columbia Valley (Washington) Syrah 2010

 The current crop of releases from Barnard Griffin are the best I’ve tasted in a long time.  This Syrah is particularly impressive, though what I admire most about it is its lightness, restraint and complexity, rather than ripeness or power.  Aromas and flavors of dark berries are very appealing, with savory accents and a lightly spicy edge that keeps this interesting sip after sip.