A real star in this portfolio is the 2007 Grand Reserve Syrah. Exuberant, flamboyant, flowery blackberry and cassis notes, along with some meat juices and bouquet garni, jump from the glass of this densely purple-colored wine. Full-bodied, opulent, and seductive, it should be drunk in its first 7-8 years of life. The lowest level of the Kendall-Jackson empire, the Vintner’s Reserve series, goes from strength to strength. For consumers hoping to maximize their dollar value, these serious wines are consistent choices. Their Chardonnay has always been good, but dramatic increases in quality have taken place in the Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon programs.Tel. (800) 769-3649; kjwines@kj.com

Here’s a good buy in a big, rich, decadently delicious Syrah. Soft and dry, with refined tannins, it offers flavors of currants, blackberries, cherries, chocolate, licorice, Dr. Pepper cola, black pepper and spices. Easy to like, yet complex.——S.H.(5/1/2010)—— 90

There is only a small quantity of the inky/purple-colored 2006 Grand Reserve Syrah, which offers chocolaty, blackberry, charcoal, pepper, and earth notes. This well-made Syrah should drink nicely for 5-7 years. As I wrote last year, despite a production of two million bottles of the Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay, 110,000 bottles of the Vintner’s Reserve Merlot, and 170,000 bottles of the Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, these are all good as well as value-priced wines. The third level in the Kendall-Jackson hierarchy is the Highland Estates cuvees, all essentially single vineyard wines from some of Jess Jackson’s finest sites. The brilliance of the Chardonnays in this portfolio needs to be addressed. Kendall-Jackson’s Highland Estates is also showcasing some very fine Pinot Noirs, generally made from the newer Dijon clones planted in cool vineyard sites. The Bordeaux varietal blends are all well-made wines, but except for the 2006 Merlot Taylor Peak (1,500 cases), production ranges from a low of 340 cases for the 2006 Trace Ridge Proprietary Red, to 870 cases of the 2006 Trace Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon.Available through Vin Lux Fine Wines, tel.(866) 462-4641; Fax (866) 853-1707; www.vinluxfinewines.com

Deep raspberry and cherry fruit buttressed by creamy vanillin oak and an earthy, animal element opens this dark, tangy wine. More of the same follows in the mouth where licorice, cocoa and espresso accents add interest. Rich and burly, it closes with full but supple tannins.——W.E.(11/1/2001)—— 87

I enjoyed the 1997 Syrah Grand Reserve (236 cases), which displays plenty of fat, succulence, and ripe fruit. It should drink well for 3-4 years. (release date 2/00)Tel. (800) 769-3649; Fax (707) 579-3419