A bouquet of black olive jumps out first in this layered Syrah that's juicy in black cherry and berry. From the well-farmed vineyard called Kick Ranch, this is another vinous testament to the great Rhone fruit growing there. A mellowed, complex wine, it's balanced in acidity.

The winery has a good track record with Sauvignon Blancs from this vineyard. Now, they’ve produced a very good Syrah. It’s a big, thick, Aussie Shiraz-style wine, with firm tannins housing flavors of blackberries, currants, mocha, sweet oak and black pepper. Dramatic and delicious.——S.H.(12/31/2009)—— 89