The 2018 Syrah Hop Barn Hill offers alluring violet and lilac aromas, with lush cassis fruit and accents of tar, earth and aniseed emerging over time in the glass. The full-bodied palate is incredibly plush, classy, spiced and nuanced, and it finishes with tremendous depth of flavor. This hedonistic California Syrah deserves plenty more time in bottle. Only 54 cases were made.

Deep ruby purple, the 2017 Syrah Hop Barn Hill is closed on the nose at this youthful stage, with notes of rubber and tar taking time to dissipate. After some time in the glass, it reveals fresh mint leaves, cured meats, bitter chocolate and cassis with hints of olive and earth. The palate is full-bodied and packed with dark, chocolaty fruits. It has a firm, grainy frame and just enough freshness, finishing with a touch of warmth.

Opaque purple-black in color, the 2016 Syrah Hop Barn Hill features savory aromas of blackberry jam, black cherry pie, blue fruit preserves, smoked meats and bacon fat with bitter chocolate and olive nuances—holy smokes! I could smell this all day. Full-bodied, it fills the mouth with savory dark fruits supported by very ripe, firm, fine-grained tannins and mouthwatering acidity, with a long, ultra savory finish. Only 72 cases were made.

The 2015 Syrah Hop Barn Hill is very deep purple-black in color with a super intense nose of crushed black currants, black cherry preserves, plum pudding and fruitcake with touches of cigar box, star anise and espresso plus a waft of garrigue. Very big, very full-bodied and wonderfully opulent in the mouth, it offers tons of black fruit preserves and savory layers supported by firm, chewy tannins and just enough acidity, finishing long and mocha-laced. Only 36 cases were made.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Syrah Hop Barn Hill opens with meaty/gamey notes with nuances of tar, black pepper, licorice and roses over a core of blackberry and plum preserves. Packed with opulent, gregarious black fruit compote and spicy layers on the full-bodied palate, it has a solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and peppery. Only 88 cases were made.