The 2006 Syrah Reserva offers an enticing nose of smoke, game, and blueberry. Medium-bodied and elegant on the palate, it has layers of spicy fruit, good ripeness, and excellent length. This crowd-pleaser will evolve for 1-2 years but can be enjoyed now. It is an outstanding value.Falernia is located in the remote Elqui Valley where most of the grapes for Pisco production are grown.Importer: Empson USA, Alexandria, VA; (703) 684-0900

Savory, minty, foresty and showing its own style and personality. Not a generic Syrah; there’s leather, fir tree and berry aromas, and then a large, mouthfilling palate full of savory, herbal berry flavors accented by oak and BBQ notes. Hard to peg as varietal Syrah but definitely a good wine with character.——M.S.(12/31/2009)—— 87