The 2016 Syrah includes 10% total of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Tempranillo. It has a medium to deep ruby-purple color and nose of black cherry cordial, warm blueberries, graphite and woodsmoke with dark chocolate, olive, salami and dried violet. Medium to full-bodied, it gives up loads of juicy black and blue fruits with firm, pleasantly chewy tannins and a long finish. This is fantastic for the price point.

The 2012 Syrah Central Coast is reminiscent of an inexpensive Cotes du Rhone with its peppery herbs and dark fruits, medium-bodied, lightly concentrated texture and straightforward personality. Drink it over the coming couple of years. Tel. (805) 937-9801; www.qupe.com

A classic, straightforward and delicious Syrah that has ripe berry fruit, leather, licorice and sappy underbrush, the 2011 Syrah is medium-bodied, lively and clean on the palate. Pure, balanced and delicious, with juicy acidity, it should evolve gracefully for 5-6 years. Drink now-2019. Tel. (805) 937-9801; www.qupe.com

The 2010 Syrah impresses for its length and textural finesse. This is a medium-bodied, feminine style of Syrah, and while varietal notes never really develop, the wine shows quite a bit of polish and overall harmony for its price point. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015. I have tasted the Qupe wines since the mid-1990s, when I sold them in one of Boston’s top restaurants. This year I found some of the entry-level wines terrific, especially considering their very fair prices. I can’t say I have the same level of enthusiasm for Qupe’s top bottlings. Tel. (805) 698-3889

The 2009 Syrah Central Coast is a fresh, vibrant wine. An expressive bouquet melds into layers of dark red fruit. The feminine, delicate side of Syrah comes through in this understated, poised wine. This is a striking wine considering it accounts for approximately half of the estate’s total production in 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. Tel. (805) 698-3889; www.qupe.com