Showing a similar focused, lightly textured and medium-bodied style, the 2011 Syrah Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard Sonnie’s possesses impressive aromatics of white pepper, venison, game and assorted dark fruits. While I love the complexity, it lacks a smidge of depth on the palate and has bright acidity, moderate richness and a clean finish. Plan on drinking bottles over the coming 3-5 years. Tel. (805) 937-9801; www.qupe.com

Along the same lines, with beautiful white and black pepper, game, leafy underbrush and berry fruit, the 2010 Syrah Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard Sonnie’s is medium-bodied, elegant and beautifully pure on the palate. Concentrated, with juicy acidity and plenty of length, it should be given 2-3 years of bottle age and consumed over the following decade. The 2010 is 100% Syrah that saw 30% whole cluster inclusion during fermentation and spent 16 months in 50% new French oak. Drink 2015-2025. Tel. (805) 937-9801; www.qupe.com

The 2009 Syrah Sonnie's is a selection from the estate’s biodynamically farmed Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard in the Edna Valley. It is deeper and richer than the straight Sawyer Lindquist, but not terribly exciting. Here, too, there is an initial blast of dark fruit and French oak that never develops in the glass. Sonnie’s was fermented with 50% whole clusters and was aged in French oak barrels (50% new). Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. Tel. (805) 698-3889; www.qupe.com