The saturated black/purple-colored 1997 Syrah Roasted Slope Vineyard is a field blend of 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier, both harvested and fermented together. It reveals jammy, syrupy, black raspberry and cherry flavors combined with a floral note and a touch of honey. Full-bodied, expansively-textured, and pure, with less aggressive tannin than in Les Coteaux, this sweet (from ripe fruit, not sugar), rich, long wine should drink well for 10-12 years.At a time when many California wines seem to be priced proportionally to their producers' egos, Andrew Murray's offerings are a breath of fresh air given their exceptionally high quality and realistic prices - readers take note. Tel. (805) 686-9604

Murray shoots for the moon in this Cote-Rotie-wannabe and just barely misses. Has plum, pepper, oak and berry notes, and is a classy, refined, very dry and complex wine. A heck of a tannic kick, but a few years on its side may tame it.——S.H.(6/1/1999)—— 88