It seems that a few years ago, Rhone varietals could get no respect. More and more "BDX" wines kept appearing on the market, as well as "Bordeaux" varietals such as Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carmenère, even though little of these grapes are being grown in Bordeaux any more. Many blends are five or six varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. But there seems to ba a sameness to many (but not all - there are superb renditions such as those from Seven Hills, Corliss, Figgins and Owen Roe).

The Rhone varieties - Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre - however, I think, are making a comeback. With better site selection and understanding the vinification of these varieties, more interesting and complex wines are being made. Here's my rundown of those wineries that are at the forefront of this resurgence.

Cayuse - Christophe Baron is the pioneer of bringing Rhone varietals to the "Rocks" with his single vineyard Syrahs and the alluring God only Knows Grenache.

Rotie Cellars - Sean Boyd's aptly named winery has made a name for itself with its Northern and Southern Blends and the "little g" Grenache and "dre" Mourvèdre.

Reynvaan Vineyards - The Reynvaan family's winery has acquired cult status with its Syrahs from the Rocks and the Foothills vineyards.

Kerloo Cellars - Ryan Crane staked his reputation on Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre (although he also makes a fine Malbec).

Maison Bleue - Jon Meuret has been making Rhone-style wines since starting in 2007. Since moving to Walla Walla, his emphasis is on Walla Walla Valley fruit.

And then there are the vineyards that are contributing to the increasing popularity of Rhone varietals. The pioneers were Mike Sauer (Red Willow Vineyard) and Dick Boushey in the Yakima Valley, and later Lewis Vineyard. Then came Patina and Les Collines in the South Walla Walla Valley. Then those in the Rocks of Milton-Freewater: Funk, Stoney Vines, Rotie and Rockgarden. Tertulia's Riviere Galets Vineyard deep in the southeast valley is a ringer for Cote Rotie with its steep, rock strewn slope. And more plantings are on the way.

Wineries now are making noteworthy "GSM" (Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre) wines in the style of the South Rhone Valley, such as Vacqueyras and Cheateauneuf du Pape. Noteworthy recent versions are Forgeron's "Façon Rouge", Balboa's "Pandemonium" Syrah-Grenache), Tertulia's "Great SchisM" and others. There also are a bevy of Grenaches and Mourvèdres out there as well. All is well with Rhone varieties these days.