The 1992 Syrah Vin du Mistral is the finest Syrah Phelps has yet made. It reveals a dark purple color, a smoky, sweet cassis, spicy nose, deep, luxuriously rich, opulent flavors, medium to full body, and a long, expansive finish without the aggressive tannin sometimes provided by Syrah. It should drink well young and last for 10-12 years.Tel. (707) 963-2745

Potentially the most decadent of the 1992 and 1993 offerings is the 1992 Le Mistral (a Rhone Ranger blend). It exhibits full body, a smoky, earthy, berry fruitiness, excellent richness and purity, a peppery, spicy component, and a long, heady finish. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. Joseph Phelps' Vin du Mistral series of reasonably priced wines made from grapes such as Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre has resulted in some innovative and attractively priced, tasty wines.