Another sleeper of the vintage, the opaque ruby/purple-tinged 2009 l’Estang exhibits lots of sweet black currant and black cherry fruit intermixed with a hint of vanillin. Medium to full-bodied, with surprisingly pure, concentrated, lengthy flavors

Rosa Mystica from Owen Roe is a case in point. Made from fruit grown at four Yakima Valley vineyards (Red Willow, Olsen, Union Gap and the Owen Roe Estate), fermented in small lots and aged for 14 months mostly used French oak barrels (the winery says the new barrels made up less than 10% of the mix) and racked only once, the wine is a delight. Its nose is full of red fruit and roasted red peppers, olive and licorice scents. On the palate, the flavors of rhubarb and blackberry dominate, but there’s an earthy undercurrent framed by soft tannins and vibrant acidity.

boldly textured Cab. Aromas of cordial cherry, cocoa powder and V8 Juice transition easily to rich flavors of cherry, crushed Italian herbs and flannel-like tannins.

It is a perfectly proportional blend of all the reds we make, from press wine and the wine we leave in barrels when we rack. This one is a little over 50% Pinot, has a good chunk of Cabernet and Zin, with smaller amounts of Merlot and Syrah.

An intense red color, Valentin Bianchi’s Leo’s Premium Malbec boasts deep aromas of mature plum and cherries, with strong spice and voluptuous character enhanced by the French oak. The American oak adds complexity and a robust kick. The palate follows the nose, with intense, persistent and elegant, mature tannins, through the long finish. You’ll score big points with this wine.

The 2011 vintage of Whitehall Lane’s Merlot includes 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah, which provide depth and structure to the wine from this unseasonably cool growing season. Aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels for 18 months.

A supple, expressive wine, featuring ripe fruit aromatics that veer toward savory, smoky flavors, touching on grilled vegetable notes before returning to the dark berry and spice at the core. Focused finish. Syrah, Mourvèdre and Petite Sirah.

Gorman’s 2011 The Devil You Know is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Syrah, 8% Mourvedre, and 2% Petite Sirah. It was aged for 21 months in French oak before bottling.