A blend of 84% Syrah and 16% Viognier, the 2008 Syrah Toasted Rope exhibits a medium ruby color (more like Grenache than Syrah) as well as a big, sweet bouquet of honeysuckle, tropical flora, and candied cherry and black currant-like fruit. This silky textured, opulent, lush, medium to full-bodied, charming Syrah should be drunk over the next 3-4 years. Foxen’s lighter-styled, more evolved 2008s are delicious, charming efforts without the density of the brilliant 2007s. However, do not underestimate them.Tel. (805) 937-4251

Made in the Happy Canyon region, which now is an official appellation, this Syrah contains 16% Viognier. That white grape contributes acidity and brightness to a wine that needs both. The underlying Syrah is delicious in blackberry pie filling, raspberry tart, cola and light chocolate flavors, yet lacks a certain structural integrity. Drink now.——S.H.(11/1/2010)—— 87

Even more brilliant is the Cote Rotie look-alike, the 2006 Syrah Toasted Rope. A blend of 85% Syrah and a whopping 15% Viognier (an hommage to Guigal’s Cote Rotie La Mouline?), it reveals exotic lychee nut and honeysuckle characteristics interwoven with notions of sweet cassis, kirsch, and licorice. Medium to full-bodied with fabulous concentration, a velvety, voluptuous texture, and superb length, this is an amazing effort from the Santa Ynez Valley. Anticipated maturity: now-2015. I hope readers have recognized how gorgeous the Foxen wines have been over the last five or six years. Their individuality and distinctiveness as well as high quality are evidenced in their newest releases. Kudos to Foxen for producing these four brilliant efforts!Tel. (805) 937-4251; Fax (805) 937-0415