Black pepper, blackberries and creme de cassis are some of the notes that emerge from the 2008 Syrah. This is a beautifully ripe, sensual Syrah loaded with character and personality. Mint, flowers and crushed rocks linger on the understated, classy finish. The Syrah is sourced from three vineyards: Shadow Canyon, Watch Hill and Los Tres Burros. The wine spent 22 months in French oak barrels, 22% new. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. This is an impressive set of wines from Dragonette Cellars. Sauvignon Blanc is unusual in the Central Coast, where most regions are too warm for this aromatic grape, but no one does it better than Dragonette. With the exception of the Fiddlestix, which did not show well, the Pinots are equally fine. The Pinots were aged in French oak for approximately 15 months prior to being bottled unfined and unfiltered.Tel. (805) 737-0200; info@dragonettecellars.com

Like its sibling, the 2007 Syrah comes from the Watch Hill, Demetria, and Shadow Canyon vineyards. Reminiscent of a modest French Crozes-Hermitage, it reveals black olive and tapenade notes intermixed with black currant and earth. Leaner and more austere than the MJM, with good acidity, medium body, and impressive freshness, it should drink nicely for 3-4 years. Tel. (805) 737-0200; Fax (805) 558-3215