Full-bodied, complex and delicious, with extraordinarily ripe flavors of blackberries, cherries, currants, chocolate, grilled meat, tamari, violets, sweet fresh herbs and black pepper. Quite dry and tannic now, with a youthful, primary fruit character that suggests ageability. Best 2010–2012.——S.H.(7/1/2009)—— 91

This is a tannic, full-bodied Syrah. With fleshy blackberry, cola, chocolate and coffee flavors, it has a rustic mouthfeel and a dry astringency. This might age to greater softness and complexity in a few years.——S.H.(6/1/2007)—— 87

Slightly better than the Sentinal Oak Vineyard Pyramid Block(because of its balance and less intrusive oak) is the 2003 Syrah High Slopes. Attractive aromas of plums, black currant, blackberry, subtle wood, spice box, and earth are presented in a medium to full-bodied, ripe style. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years. Tel. (209) 245-3117

There must have been a great many overripe, shriveled grapes, to judge from the rasiny edge in this wine. It’s also kind of rough, but it is very dry, with a nice fruity finish. ——S.H.(6/1/2006)—— 84