The 2003 Syrah Eddie’s Patch is performing tremendously well. Its opaque black/purple color is accompanied by a huge nose of white chocolate, pepper, acacia flowers, scorched earth, and blackberries. The wine possesses copious fruit, an unctuous texture, and a huge, full-bodied, blockbuster finish. It was aged 15 months in 40% new French oak prior to bottling. Kudos to DuMol, one of the brilliant shining stars of the North Coast Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah sweepstakes. In the past four years, this has become one of my favorite stops on my tasting trip through California’s North Coast. One can’t say enough about owner Kerry Murphy and his talented winemaker, Scotsman Andy Smith. Together they have produced a bevy of extraordinary Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, and recently added some full-throttle Syrahs to the portfolio. Tel. (925) 254-8922; Fax (925) 254-8942