The outstanding 2003 Syrah Ballard Canyon Reserve reveals floral, blackberry, and vanillin notes along with medium to full body, superb density, outstanding purity and texture, and a long finish with moderate tannin. Give it 1-2 years of bottle age and drink it over the following decade.Tel. (805) 688-1278

Big and bold, with sturdy blackberry and coffee flavors that pick up a hint of vanilla on the lingering finish. A hint of shoe polish on the nose dampened our enthusiasm, but this is still a fine example of American Syrah. ——W.E.(9/1/2005)—— 88