Wonderful flavors in this dry Syrah, ranging from blackberries and cherries through cola to dried herbs and anise. The tannins are gentle. The big problem is excessive softness, which mars the wine’s structural integrity. Ready now. ——S.H.(2/1/2011)—— 86

Peju, which does such a good job with Bordeaux reds, continues to struggle with Syrah. Hard to say why, but the hot ’04 vintage didn’t help. The wine is overly soft, with a Porty, raisiny edge to the cherry and cocoa flavors.——S.H.(7/1/2007)—— 84

I also did a double-take when I saw the price. This is a very tannic wine, for starters. It plasters the mouth with numbing dust, and is as dry as the grave. But you know what? It doesn’t have the core of fruit needed to age. It’s earthy and tough and in the absence of flavor, the acidity stands out. ——S.H.(12/1/2002)—— 84