The 2008 Syrah Cuvee Charlotte was made from tiny yields of just one ton per acre. Opulence and sheer depth take precedence over varietal character in this super-ripe, opulent Syrah. Here the 50% new barrels mark the wine quite noticeably. The Cuvee Charlotte is a well-made wine from a technical standpoint, but it also highlights one of the issues of Central Coast Syrah. The words “Ballard Canyon” on a label should mean something. Instead, this is a wine that could have been made in any number of places. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018.These two wines from Harrison Clarke are made in an overt, jammy style with tons of richness and textural opulence.Tel. (805) 686-0850; www.harrisonclarkewine.com

The opaque ruby/purple-hued 2007 Syrah Cuvee Charlotte possesses an intense, but primary nose of black raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Rich, pure, and full-bodied with exceptional elegance and freshness, it displays a distinctive underlying minerality, a chalky component (from limestone soils?), and a stunning finish. It needs 2-3 more years of bottle age, and should evolve for 15+ years. Fax: (805) 686-0950; www.harrisonclarkewine.com

Superfruity and jammy, with massive raspberry, cherry, blackberry and dark chocolate flavors, accented with black pepper. The texture is soft and voluptuous. This Syrah is a bit direct now, with its primary fruit and oak overlay, and it’s a little hot, with an official alcohol reading of 15.5%. ——S.H.(3/1/2011)—— 87