Surprisingly good for the price; here’s a domestic Syrah to take on the hordes of Aussie imports. Light in body, but features the things consumers seem to be looking for in a basic red: cherry fruit accented by caramel and vanilla. Notes of chocolate, cedar and herb chime in on the finish. ——W.E.(9/1/2005)—— 85

Kind of sharp and acidic at first, but then the ripe, jammy black cherry flavors spread over the mouth and last through the finish. A nice, simple wine for everyday occasions--and look at the bargain price.——S.H.(12/1/2004)—— 84

Fresh and sharp, a wine marked by upfront acids that make it taste like it's right out of the fermenter. Has pretty flavors of blackberries, with a peppery edge, an everyday sort of wine at an everyday price.——S.H.(10/1/2003)—— 83

Creamy vanilla, sweet caramel and candied berries add up to a wine designed for mass appeal and priced accordingly. It’s smooth and goes down easy.——W.E.(10/1/2001)—— 83