The best of these Syrahs is the 2005 Syrah Parmelee-Hill. Elegant berry, earth, underbrush, camphor, and bay leaf aromas jump from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-tinged wine. Red and black currant fruit along with a hint of ferns offered in a light to medium-bodied style also emerge from this easy-going Syrah. Drink it over the next 2-4 years. Tel. (510) 981-1510; Fax (510) 981-1610

The saturated ruby/purple-colored 1997 Syrah Parmelee Hill Vineyard exhibits a lot of promise, great flavor depth, and accessibility. Sweet, jammy blackberry and cassis fruit cuts a broad swath across the palate in this full-bodied, densely-concentrated, intense style. The finish adds notes of chocolate, earth, and spicy wood. This is an impressive although backward, well-endowed Syrah that requires 1-2 years of bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2015. This 4,000 case winery will expand production in 1999 to approximately 10,000 cases. This is good news for everyone who has been trying to find these hand-crafted products.One of my favorite artisanal California producers, Edmunds St. John continues to do tasty things with an assortment of varietals other than the wine world's favorite flavors - Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.Tel. (510) 981-1510; Fax (510) 981-1610