The 2002 Syrah Spring Mountain possesses an elegant style for a Syrah from this mountain site as well as tart acidity. It comes across as if it were harvested too soon. Nevertheless, nice blue, cool red currant fruits and hints of menthol and spice as well as earth are there in this medium-bodied, restrained style of Syrah. Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735

Some interesting red wines in the Beringer portfolio that might be overlooked given the lemming-like rush to latch onto the Beringer Cabernets and Howell Mountain Merlots, include an impressive Syrah from the Hudson Ranch in Carneros. The 1995 Syrah (only 50 cases produced) will probably be sold at Beringer's famed Rhine House at the winery in St. Helena. This debut effort looks to be a terrific Syrah. The wine contains a small amount of Grenache (7%). It is an opaque purple-colored wine with a forceful, peppery, chocolatey, cassis-scented nose, and thick, dense, full-bodied flavors, the latter component oozing with extract and glycerin. With a sweet, long, lavishly rich finish, this wine should drink beautifully for 10-15 years.This exceptionally well-run winery continues its impressive display of high quality wines in all price ranges and varietal categories.Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735