The glorious 2006 Syrah Estate is very Hermitage-like, with notes of black truffles, blackberry, cassis, and wild mountain berries intermixed with some spring flowers and spice. This wine is dense, deep ruby/purple, full-bodied, and moderately tannic. This is a beauty and very French in style. Give it another 1-2 years of bottle age and drink it over the following decade plus.Tel. (707) 942-4699; Fax (707) 942-5142

Ths is a fantastically rich, densely concentrated Syrah that absolutely needs time to come around. It’s dry and tannic, although fairly soft, with a massive core of cherries, red currants, mocha, licorice, beef jerky and pepper flavors. Give it 3–5 years in the cellar, but not much longer, then enjoy with a grilled steak. ——S.H.(2/1/2009)—— 92