You’ll find smooth, polished tannins on this full-bodied wine, but it’s all downhill from there. It’s excessively soft, and the finish is sugary sweet. ——S.H.(6/1/2011)—— 83

Although this Syrah is technically dry, it tastes sweet, almost Porty, with flavors of caramel corn, plumped raisins and cassis. Feels overly tannic, too, with an astringent mouthfeel. Ready now.——S.H.(4/1/2010)—— 82

Tannic and a little harsh, this blackberry, coffee and spice-flavored Syrah finishes on the sweet side. There’s a bitterness in the finish that makes it feel rustic. Drink now.——S.H.(3/1/2008)—— 84

It’s curious that the winery held this back a year longer than their ’04 Monterey Syrah, with which it was co-released. But then, this one has a firmer structure, with finer tannins and brighter acidity. It’s really a very good wine, showing layers of complexity in the blackberry, cassis, coffee, leather, cocoa and spice flavors. ——S.H.(6/1/2007)—— 90

Here’s a Syrah that impresses for its complexity and depth. It’s dark, full-bodied and fully dry, with a rich tannic structure carrying berry-cherry flavors with a spicy, peppery edge. Sure is an easy wine to drink with roast pork or grilled lamb. ——S.H.(12/31/2005)—— 87