My favorite, from a great grand cru site in Sonoma, is the 2006 Syrah Monte Rosso Vineyard. The superb minerality that emerges from this wine buttresses its sheer massive richness and intense, dark chocolate, black cherry, and black currant fruit notes. This wine has huge body, wonderful vibrancy and delineation, and is a great example of Syrah from one of the finest vineyard sites in northern California. Drink it over the next 10-12 years. Biale Vineyards is renowned for their fabulous Zinfandels, but they turn out high-intensity, blockbuster Petite Sirahs and Syrahs, and for those who love full-flavored wines, these should be high on any buying list. Their Petite Sirahs are often 20- to 25-year wines, while the Syrahs are probably best drunk in their first 7-8 years of life.Tel. (707) 257-7555; Fax (707) 257-0105

The dark ruby/purple-hued 2005 Syrah Hill Climber Monte Rosso reveals a distinctive loamy, earthy undertone along with hints of garrigue, black cherries, and black currants. Medium to full-bodied and spicy with high tannin as well as crisp acidity, it should age effortlessly for 10-15 years.One of California's top Zinfandel specialists, Robert Biale Vineyards also fashions high quality Syrahs and Petite Sirahs. There are four single vineyard Syrah cuvees.Tel. (707) 257-7555; Fax (707) 257-0105