Similar to past bottlings, Bourassa’s 2005 Syrah is slightly rustic. It has a baked-fruit quality of blackberry and black cherry pie filling, and is very peppery. Given the right fare, such as a pepper steak, it could work some magic.——S.H.(9/1/2008)—— 85

A nice Syrah, dry and fairly tannic, with cherry-berry flavors and an earthy coffee and pepper edge. Lots of new oak brings toast, char, and vanilla. ——S.H.(12/1/2006)—— 86

Rich and packed with superripe fruit: blackberries, raspberries and plums all make appearances. Add on layers of coffee, caramel and toast notes from new oak and the result is a flashy, hedonistic wine that just lacks the complexity and structure to take it to the next level. ——W.E.(9/1/2005)—— 86