A heck-of-a bargain, the outstanding 2007 Syrah offers smoky, gamy, meaty, lard, and bacon fat notes intermixed with blackberry and currant fruit aromas. This spicy, dense, richly fruity, supple Syrah is ideal for drinking over the next 3-4 years. Tel. (707) 942-6266; Fax (707) 942-5732

Rather heavy and super-fruity now, with fruitstand flavors of blackberries, cherries and plums. It’s a ripely delicious wine, but a bit one-dimensional, not showing much elegance or subtlety. Could develop bottle nuance over the next 4–6 years.——S.H.(2/1/2010)—— 87