A brilliant effort, the 2006 Syrah Rodney’s Vineyard reveals notes of lavender, charcoal, truffles, creme de cassis, blackberries, and smoky oak. This full-bodied, multilayered, textured, voluptuous Syrah possesses beautiful density, sweet, silky tannins, and stunning concentration as well as purity. It should drink well for 7-8 years. Tel. (805) 688-1545

The sheer deliciousness gives this wine its high score. It’s like a decadent pastry dessert, with dark chocolate truffle, grilled black cherry, cassis, anise and sandalwood flavors sprinkled with cinnamon and pepper. But it’s fully dry. The high alcohol and softness suggest drinking now.——S.H.(9/1/2009)—— 91