The 2005 SYRAH is close to the 2004 in style. It seems more Old World, showing significant gamey notes. It is cool and refreshing, bright and crisp, with a succulent finish and velvety texture. It flattens a bit with air, but remains interesting. Some may not appreciate the gamey notes. I mostly liked it. Drink now-2014. This winery, owned by Danish-born Hans Jorgensen and his American wife (of Portuguese ancestry), Carrie, is one of Alentejo’s stalwarts. They generally make them bold and big, although there seems to be a trend to more restraint. The first release was in 1996. Their best wine is the Reserva, generally speaking. A vertical tasting of the Reservas, including the release reviewed last year (the 2003, 92 points) showed what the winery can accomplish. These library wines may be hard to find in well stored condition, even at the winery, but they are worth noting here to show what this winery can do and how well these can age. Their wines eschew the DOC Alentejo (after having had some famous dust-ups with the DOC regulations), and use instead the broader, less restrictive classification Vinho Regional Alentejano.Importers: Tri-Vin Imports, Mt. Vernon, NY; tel. (914) 664-3155; Bibulous, San Francisco, CA; tel: (415) 378-0661; Vinum Wine Importers, Seattle, WA; tel: (206) 621-8843.

Packed with soft, jammy fruit and dark cherry flavors, this is a spicy, full-bodied wine that offers generous structure, touches of spice, perfume and a strong herbal character. The aftertaste is soft, open, almost sweet.——R.V.(7/1/2008)—— 88