The blend called 2010 Premium is a step above the varietals when it comes to price. This blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, produced with the varieties that they planted in 1999 in their property, fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in French oak barrels (70% new) for 14 months. This shows the style of a bygone era of blends of international grapes and generous oak, where the Syrah seems to dominate the nose. The palate has some tannins, most likely derived from the élevage, good concentration and generous oak. This feels quite similar to the Syrah bottling. 10,252 bottles produced.

The 2007 Arrayan Premium is a blend of 55% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot that sees 14 months in French oak, 70% new. The bouquet is nicely controlled with licorice-tinged black fruit and hints of sandalwood. The palate is medium-bodied with blackberry, kirsch and soy, and though it starts well, and is fleshy and ripe in texture, it begins to flag towards the finish. Drink now. Importer: Vino Cava LLC, Wayne, PA; tel. (610) 688-8415

The 2005 Premium is a blend of 55% Syrah, 20% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Petit Verdot aged 14 months in new French oak. This cuvee has a bit more complexity than its mono-varietal siblings as well as greater complexity, structure, and aging potential. On the palate, the powerful black and blue fruit flavors are remarkably persistent and lead eventually to a finish that lasts for nearly a minute. It will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring and will have a drinking window extending from 2012 to 2020. The Arrayan wines are produced by La Casa de Las Cuatro Rayas. Importer: Casa Ventura, Bellingham, WA; tel. (360) 303-1760

Rather stemmy on the nose for a $50 wine, while the palate is sheering and firm as nails, with licorice and a forced sweetness that starts as blackberry and turns to licorice. With raisin, brandy and anisette flavors driving everything, you better like sweet, liqueur-like drinks if you’re going to fall for this one.——M.S.(6/1/2009)—— 84