2012 Efeste Syrah Red Willow Vineyard Eleni

(15.2% alcohol; from a coolish site in Yakima Valley planted in '86 and '91): Brilliant dark ruby. Striking floral energy to the primary aromas of blackbehery, boysenberry, licorice, graphite and rock. Densely packed, sweet and powerful but stubbornly unforthcoming. Finishes with huge, tongue-coating but nicely ripe tannins and excellent length. The most backward of these Syrahs: give this wine an extended decanting if you plan to open it anytime soon. Better yet, lay it down and forget about it for a few years.