Huge aromas on this Syrah, refined, very potent, offering waves of cassis, blackberries, roasted coffee, grilled meat, black pepper, cedar and spices. Tastes as dense and lush as it smells, a full-bodied, rich wine, tannic and with good acidity. Finishes bone dry, yet sweet in cherries. A dazzling crowd-pleaser of a wine that should hold for five years or so. ——S.H.(11/1/2011)—— 94

Tastes fresh and jammy, like it’s right out of the fermenting tank. The black cherries have an herbal edge of thyme, with oak-inspired sandalwood. A bit too young and angular, but should calm down by mid-2010.——S.H.(10/1/2009)—— 88