The 2008 Syrah Garys’ Vineyard is a seriously endowed, voluptuously textured, opulent effort. It possesses an opaque ruby/purple color, a sweet, peppery, meaty nose with lots of black fruits and forest floor characteristics, a seamless personality, gorgeous fruit concentration, and a long, layered finish. It, too, should be consumed over the next 5-7 years. From the Lee family, who also runs the reliable Siduri winery, they have produced four outstanding Syrahs from their fruit acquisitions in the Santa Lucia Highlands.Tel. (707) 578-3882

This extraordinarily rich Syrah swamps the mouth with jammy blackberries, raspberries and cherries. There’s nothing subtle about it. But it’s basically dry and properly balanced with acids and tannins, which gives it needed balance. Drink now and through 2014 to experience the youthful opulence. ——S.H.(12/15/2010)—— 89