The deep ruby/purple-colored 2001 Syrah Hudson Vineyard is an ambitious offering revealing wood in the dense, smoky, charcoal, black currant, and blackberry aromas and flavors. It possesses superb ripeness, excellent purity, medium to full body, and moderate tannin in the finish. Balance, purity, and overall harmony are characteristics of this 2001. Give it 1-2 years of cellaring, and drink it over the following decade. Tel. (707) 261-2000; Fax (707) 261-2043

There is excessive softness here. This wine is properly dry, with smooth, complex tannins and a nice balance of berry, herb and oak flavors, but it collapses in the mouth, and doesn’t seem to have the stuff to age. ——S.H.(11/1/2005)—— 85