A nicely done microscopic-production Syrah out of Livermore Valley’s Madden Ranch, the source for many a Syrah, not always so deliciously rendered. Winemaker Greg Jenkins (wife and partner is Olympian Peggy Fleming) works with a variety of grape sources from his historic Novitiate Winery in Los Gatos, using John Madden’s hillside vineyard fruit in this case to make an intense wine full of cassis, vanilla, anise and chocolate.——V.B.(5/1/2011)—— 90

A massive Syrah that impresses for sheer volume. It’s full-bodied and rich in blackberries, black currants, bacon, black pepper, anise and smoky oak, folded into thick, ripe tannins. Tastes juicy and fresh now, perfect for a grilled steak, and should develop for up to five years before losing its fruit.——S.H.(4/1/2010)—— 93

Quite a beautiful, lush Syrah, and one that goes a long way to restoring faith in this long under-performing appellation. Dry and soft, the wine offers rich flavors of cassis, melted dark chocolate, leather, vanilla and anisette, with a pleasantly spicy edge of black pepper. Drink now. ——S.H.(8/1/2009)—— 92