The 2010 Syrah Garys’ emerges from the glass with black pepper, violets, tar, licorice, spices and black olives. The use of 50% whole clusters adds an element of aromatic lift that is quite pretty. Like so many 2010 Syrahs from the appellation, the Garys’ is a bit on the medium-bodied side of things, but the wine’s overall sense of balance and proportion is its strongest suit. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018.
Pisoni is very much a family affair. Jeff and Mark Pisoni run the Lucia label, which they basically use for everything except the Pisoni Pinot. Jeff and Mark Pisoni are both at the beginning of what look like extremely promising careers full of potential and promise.
Tel. (800) 270-2525;, www.luciavineyards.com