2013 Lone Birch Yakima Valley Syrah

My cork-dork friends and I like to say we have a loooong syrah season here in Tundraland, but some renditions work just fine in the warmer months. The 2013 Lone Birch Yakima Valley Syrah ($13) is plenty sturdy, but rests more in the medium-body realm, with super-tasty dark red fruit and surpassing depth for the price. The finish is lengthy and hearty, and the oak treatment is deft. Winemaker Marcus Miller, who also crafts swell stuff at Airfield Estates, sources the grapes from his family's fourth-generation farm. I wrote "pizza!" in my tasting notes, but this Washington red also would rock with burgers, brats and anything else off the grill.

Available at On the Rocks, Skyway, Excelsior Vintage, McDonald's, Stinson, Sentyrz, Solo Vino and others.

Bill Ward