The 2009 Syrah Garys’ is a big, animalistic wine that shows the wilder side of Syrah. Black pepper, wild cherries, tar and game are some of the notes that flow from this burly red. If the tannins soften and the aromas find their focus, this might merit a higher score. For now it is a bit on the wild side. Either way it needs quite a bit of air. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. Gary Pisoni was one of the first – if not the first – people to believe in the potential of the Santa Lucia Highlands as a region capable of producing first-rate wines. In order to avoid confusion with his own Pisoni Pinot Noir and Pisoni vineyard, Gary Pisoni and his sons Mark and Jeff use the Lucia label for all of their wines that don’t carry the Pisoni vineyard designation. Tel. (800) 946-3130; www.luciavineyards.com