From the high elevation and poor soils of the Pisoni Vineyard, the 2008 Syrah Susan’s Hill was fermented with 25% stems, and aged in all French oak, of which 30% was new. Among the most backward of the 2008 Santa Lucia Highlands Syrahs I tasted, it exhibits noble sweetness in its charcoal-infused black currant and blackberry fruit. Notions of grilled meats, smoke, black tea, and flowers also emerge from this wine of exceptional intensity as well as full-bodied power. This harmonious, impressively endowed Syrah will benefit from another 1-2 years of bottle age, and should drink well over the following decade. Tel. (800) 946-3130

A notch better, the 2007 Syrah Pisoni Vineyard boasts a dense purple hue as well as a glorious perfume of acacia flowers, forest floor, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and charcoal, fabulous fruit, a full-bodied texture, and stunning purity as well as length. It should evolve easily for a decade.Two prodigious Syrahs from the Pisoni family, both of these wines are made with approximately one-third whole clusters.Tel. (800) 946-3130