The winery’s Syrahs from this vineyard have struggled over the years. The 2006, like previous vintages, is dry and rather simple in jammy red fruit and bacon flavors. Oak adds layers, while a bite of acidity will help to cut through lamb, steak, sausage.——S.H.(11/1/2010)—— 86

If you like those funky, barnyardy, leathery notes in your Syrahs, this one’s for you. It’s bone dry and rich in tannins, with blackberry and black currant flavors, in addition to that bacon. Drink now. ——S.H.(12/1/2009)—— 87

Rustic, with big, drying tannins on the finish, this wine divided the panel. All enjoyed it for its bold, gutsy dried-fruit flavors and sense of Sierra Foothills individuality, but two reviewers felt the tannins were a bit overpowering in the long run and the wine should be enjoyed young. One felt the wine would age well. Our advice? Buy two, try one and decide when to drink the other one yourself. ——W.E.(9/1/2005)—— 87

Shows the promise of this area. Jammy and extracted in blackberry, coffee, grilled meat, lavender and smoky oak, a big wine. Powerful and fairly tannic, yet balanced in acids. Should age well.——S.H.(2/1/2005)—— 90