This is a pretty good Syrah. It’s very dry, and comes down on the earthy side, with the briary blackberries tempered with herbs, tobacco, leather and pepper. Feels rich and layered, a nice wine to have with lamb or beef.——S.H.(11/1/2010)—— 88

Polished and smooth, with fancy cocoa, blackberry, cherry and coffee flavors that are well-ripened and long-lasting. The tannins are gentle, with good acidity. Turns candy sweet on the finish.——S.H.(8/1/2005)—— 86

This is a big, meaty wine, filled with the flavors of plums, blackberries, boysenberries and other very dark bush and tree fruits. It’s also firmly tannic. Makes up in strength what it lacks in finesse.——S.H.(12/1/2003)—— 85

A great quaff if we’ve ever tasted one: Its mouthfeel is medium-weight and soft; it shows a little restraint on the nose, but eventually reveals cherry, cedar and blackberry accents. More cherry shows up on the palate, hand-in-hand with dark berry, tobacco and cinnamon notes. Finishes with wood and a bit of tang—some called it metallic, others minty.——W.E.(10/1/2001)—— 88