The 2001 Syrah, also 14.5?, is certainly varietal in character with its sensations of plums, blackberries, and smoky meat, but the palate needs a bit more flesh and the tannins are slightly hard on the finish. Drink: 2004-2010. After a fine group of results in the 1999 and 2000 vintages, I was a bit less happy with these 2001’s. A certain tartness was present in many of the wines, and while acidification is anything but scandalous in an area this far south, the rather obvious presence of acidity is an indication that the wines themselves are less concentrated and consequently less balanced. The house is apparently aiming at an overall production of close to three million bottles, and I am far from convinced that this is such a good idea. Is the glass half full or half empty here? It depends on one’s point of view, but I am convinced that the resources for better wines than these exist. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

This wine spends 12 months in wood, half of it new. But from the taste, all you find is the fruit. It is a fine contrast of sweet fruit and dry tannins, power but also elegance.——R.V.(10/1/2003)—— 88