Notes of minerals, camphor, Asian spices, cassis, and a touch of new oak emerge from the 2002 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard. Made in a full-bodied, dense, powerfully packed, tightly knit style, it reveals tremendous fruit intensity as well as elevated levels of glycerin. One cannot say enough about the commitment to excellence exhibited year after year by Adam Tolmach. Tel. (805) 649-1674

Big Syrah, and an obvious ager due to the thick, young tannins and relative closedness. But the fruit is so enormous in black cherry compote, chocolate and cassis, and everything is so balanced and harmonious, that the wine cannot fail to improve. Best by 2008, and will hold for some years beyond.——S.H.(8/1/2006)—— 92