From a cool year, the 1999 Syrah California exhibits aromas and flavors of plums, cassis, figs, smoke, and herbs. Although there is dry tannin in the finish, the wine possesses abundant richness as well as extract in its straightforward, richly fruity personality. Tel. (805) 649-1674

The dark ruby/purple-colored 1998 Syrah California (mostly from the Roll Ranch, Stolpman Vineyard, and Bien Nacido Vineyard) exhibits a ripe nose of cassis, licorice, and barbecue spice. A fruit-driven, thick, juicy Syrah, it is ideal for drinking during its first 7-8 years of life. This supple-textured, fleshy effort possesses plenty of stuffing and fruit, but not a great deal of complexity. Tel. (805) 649-1674

The dark ruby/purple-colored 1998 Syrah California (mostly from the Roll Ranch, Stolpman Vineyard, and Bien Nacido Vineyard) exhibits a ripe nose of cassis, licorice, and barbecue spice. A fruit-driven, thick, juicy Syrah, it is ideal for drinking during its first 7-8 years of life. This supple-textured, fleshy effort possesses plenty of stuffing and fruit, but not a great deal of complexity. Tel. (805) 649-1674

The deep ruby/purple-colored 1997 Syrah California (10% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre have been added to the blend) offers a peppery, leathery, mineral, kirsch, and blackberry-scented nose, good depth, not as much complexity as other cuvees, but is full bodied, with a luscious, accessible, low acid profile that will give it considerable charm and seductiveness during its first 7-10 years of life. Syrah is king a The Ojai Vineyards. Even though the 1997s were made from higher yields than the 1996s, they are among the most concentrated and finest wines I tasted from Santa Barbara. All the wines made at Ojai are naturally made products - no fining or filtration, barrel-fermentation, malolactic in barrel, aggressive lees stirring, virtually no racking until assembling for bottling, and no acid additions. Tel. (805) 649-1674; Fax (805) 649-4651

The deep ruby/purple-colored 1997 Syrah California (10% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre have been added to the blend) offers a peppery, leathery, mineral, kirsch, and blackberry-scented nose, good depth, not as much complexity as other cuvees, but is full bodied, with a luscious, accessible, low acid profile that will give it considerable charm and seductiveness during its first 7-10 years of life.Syrah is king a The Ojai Vineyards. Even though the 1997s were made from higher yields than the 1996s, they are among the most concentrated and finest wines I tasted from Santa Barbara.All the wines made at Ojai are naturally made products - no fining or filtration, barrel-fermentation, malolactic in barrel, aggressive lees stirring, virtually no racking until assembling for bottling, and no acid additions.Tel. (805) 649-1674; Fax (805) 649-4651