One of the most fascinating aspects of winemaking (and wine enjoying) is just how varied the experience can be.  People talk of different styles: new world, old world, big, delicate, robust, fruit forward, and the oft-dreaded and oak monster. But, what do these all mean? and how does the winemaker influence and impart that particular style on their wines?

I’m going to find out.  Now on to the tasting that lead me down the road of asking these questions. 

2007 Syncline Columbia Valley Syrah – this is the bigger, bold, dark colored, new world syrah. It was delicious and really opened up nicely over the course of a Friday night at home.

2002 Columbia Winery Red Willow Vineyard Syrah – this wine was crafted from the very first Syrah planting in Washington and winemaker David Lake really pushes the old world envelope in this offering.  Having spent 5 more years in the bottle this wine is very well rounded.

These two wines, produced in the same region, from the same varietal, are very different in style.  The Columbia is lighter in color and contained many of that minerality and earthiness that you’d expect from a old world style wine.  The Syncline was big, bold, and provided many of the dark berry fruit flavors.  Both wines were excellent and can be found in the $20-25 range at Pete’s Wine Shop in Bellevue.