The 2005 Syrah “Marques de Casa Concha” was aged for 16 months in French oak. It offers up smoke, leather, game, and blueberry scents which are followed by a supple-textured, ripe, layered wine with abundant spicy flavors. This nicely balanced wine will evolve for 3-5 years and drink well through 2027. Importer: Banfi Vintners, Oldbrookville, NY; tel. (516) 686-2502

Rich and ripe but a bit generic. Even if it doesn’t show a lot of varietal character—namely spice, leather and bacon—it makes up for it with lip-smacking blackberry, black currant and chocolate flavors. There’s no denying that it’s New World Syrah.——M.S.(3/1/2008)—— 88