Tasting more like a Cote Rotie than a Santa Ynez Syrah, the 2007 Syrah Larner Vineyard reveals an exotic bacon fat/frying lard note intermixed with honeysuckle, spring flowers, black currants, and a striking minerality that buttresses the medium-bodied, full-flavored wine. The tannins are slightly austere, but this wine has so much complexity aromatically and flavor wise, it will be fascinating to see how it evolves over the next 5-6 years. I was impressed last year with this winery’s 2007s and 2006s, and they have continued to build on that portfolio with their current group of 2008s and late-released 2007s. Tel. 805-400-5988; Fax 805-980-4885