Parejas Cellars
2006 Cinsaut &
2006 Syrah

    Veteran Yakima Valley wine maker Mark Wysling crafted about 100 cases of each of these two fine gems.  The Cinsaut, $18.99, comes from one of Yakima Valley's most legendary vineyards (but it's our little secret! sorry!), and the Syrah, $23.99, likewise from a vaunted Red Mountain source.

    Besides the fact that they're both just darned wonderful, juicy, yet structured reds (considering the fruit sources), it is amazing that they don't cost a whole lot more!

  2006 Cinsaut

  Cinsaut (occasionally spelled with "cinsault") is a rather obscure rape variety which originated in sourthern France's Rhone Valley, and is typically used as a "blending grape," and rarely made into a single-variety wine.

  There are just a handful of vineyards in Washington with plantings of Cinsaut.  Aromatically, notes of white pepper, red fruit, and spice remind one of Grenache.  ON the palate, big bursts of fruit frame a rounded, weaving texture which renders it food-friendly (think mushroom-accented sauces and grilled or cured meats).

    Price: $18.99

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    The Syrah offers up smoke, black fruit and spice with a dash of leather, and follows through with a full-bodied mouth-feel.  The Red Mountain ripness is tempered nicely with soft tannins and a long finish that triumphs on the palate.  This wine will pair well with pastas, grilled meats, and pan-seared Salmon.