For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore – Nameless here for ever more.
                                       – The Raven, Edgar Allen Poe.

Each year the perfunctory task of a year-end or best-of list is compiled here and elsewhere. It’s hard to think that I might taste the best value wine of the year on Jan. 13 .. but maybe; it might have happened tonight!

Corvidae Lenore 2011 Columbia Valley Syrah – The Owen Roe wine is crazy, incredible, and just plain stupidly good for the mid-teen price range.

The Corvidae label is the value or second-tier label for much-respected Owen Roe Winery in Washington state.  I googled the wine and enjoyed the various reviews. I usually do that after writing my own comments. But I was curious if other writers thought it was kick-ass as I found it.

So here are some other thoughts:

From Wine Peeps: Deep, dark purple. Oak and dark fruits come through on the nose; more dark fruits and spice on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity, medium tannins, and a long finish. A good weeknight wine.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5) QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)

Corvidae Lenore Syrah, grown in the Columbia Valley has great spice, bright fruit, deep purple hues, and gorgeous texture and is really a steal for the quality it delivers. Pair Corvidae Syrah, a juicy, boisterous wine, with barbecued babyback ribs, a hearty lamb stew, your favorite burger or just on it’s own.

Avalon Wine & Northwest Wine: “Corvidae” is named for the family of birds that includes crows and ravens. Crows have a long history in folklore and mythology. David was inspired to name the label Corvidae by the many crows that circle the sky over his winery in Yakima.

And my favorite:

The Wine Monster:” The black raven on the label says it all. This is a big full bodied Syrah that makes you feel like you just got mugged by Edgar Allen Poe.”

This is one of the best value wines I’ve tasted in several years. Tasted blindly, I’d have guessed it was a $30-$40 wine. Big fruit and spice without being jammy and beautifully balanced.

Oh, it would be a failure not to note Coridae wines are named after a fairy tale or fable. The winemakers were inspired to name this wine by the number of crows around the vineyard!

Corvidae Lenore 2011 Columbia Valley Syrah, SRP $16.95, Very Highly Recommended