The 2005 Soler Syrah has an intense, deep, brooding Northern Rhone-style nose with more black rather than white pepper. The palate is medium-bodied, very supple and lithe with lovely balance and harmony with notes of briery, boysenberry, game and white pepper on the finish. Very good length, this is a sublime expression of Syrah and should easily last a good decade. Now owned by Villa Maria, Vidal Estate was founded in 1905 in Hawkes Bay, when Anthony Joseph Vidal teamed up with his uncle, pioneering winemaker Joseph Soler, who had made his first wine back in 1869. The present winemaker is Hugh Crichton who has previously worked at Chateau Soutard and Millton Vineyards. They mainly use long-term contract growers but since 2002 they have acquired their own vines in the Gimblett Gravels and wines from this parcel are named in honor of Soler. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Inc., Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802; fax (205) 980-0408