02 K Vintners, Columbia Valley Wahluke Slope Milbrandt Syrah

Tame only by K Vintners standards, the Milbrandt has a sinister aroma -- like a crackling forest fire at night -- but is a little bland on the palate. Bland compared to Cougar Hills and The Beautiful--I might add--is still pretty interesting. The wine hones in on smoky fresh black pepper flavors with something floral and, well, purple in the background. The texture isn't supple, but it intensifies with some time in the glass.