Columbia Crest Two Vines Shiraz Columbia Valley 2005

Soft and generous, offering a nice mouthful of mature plum and spice flavors. Finishes gently. Drink now.

A good effort, with plenty of snap and sizzle for an eight dollar wine. You get juicy berry fruit, some clean spice and suggestions of white pepper, fine acids and decent length. It says Shiraz but it's less of an Aussie style and more of a snappy, acid-driven Washington take.

Bright and juicy, with plum, berry and an interesting tomato note in the mix. The finish lingers against very fine tannins. Drink now through 2008.

Slightly candied, bright cherry fruit and a healthy dose of vanilla give this easy-to-drink Shiraz all the prerequisites for commercial success. The creamy mouthfeel shows very little tannin, while the juicy, mouthwatering finish picks up enough hints of complexity to keep it interesting.

Soft, open-textured and appealing for its pure blackberry and cherry fruit, finishing with a meaty note. Drink now through 2009.

Ripe and polished, a supple red with raspberry and chocolate flavors, finishing with plum and spice, lingering effortlessly. Drink now through 2008.

A typically juicy effort, this lovely, spicy wine seamlessly mixes bright berry fruit and smooth chocolate, with hints of earth and pepper. There are better Syrahs made in Washington (including CC's own reserve), but you'll have to pay three times as much to find them.