The 2009 Syrah caresses the palate with generous blueberries, blackberries and French oak. There isn’t much varietal character or nuance here, instead the wine impresses for its silky tannins and creamy, expansive finish. Today the 2009 is all about fruit. With time in the glass, some hints of varietal character come through, but this remains a relatively soft, fruit driven vintage for the Syrah. It will be interesting to see if the full range of varietal notes develops. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. I was in Panzano in mid-August 2009, just as a huge heat wave began to take hold of Northern Italy. Growers were tempted to pick early, but Sangiovese is a late-ripening variety that needs the extra hang time to develop its full range of aromas and flavors. Proprietor Giovanni Manetti waited until late September to start harvesting, and it paid off. His Sangiovese based wines in particular are fabulous in 2009. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907