Damp and dark at first, with campfire and black fruit aromas. The palate is big and widespread, with ripe flavors of maduro tobacco, blackberry and licorice. Warm, spicy and peppery on the finish, with tannins and power to spare. ——M.S.(10/1/2011)—— 87

Deep purple in color, with an inky nose that brings licorice and jammy black fruit aromas. This is a lush, soft-bodied style of Syrah with a meaty mouthfeel and candied, jammy flavors of blackberry and stewed black cherry. Finishes sweet and chocolaty; could use a bit more structure and spine.——M.S.(5/1/2011)—— 86

A little funky and jumpy at first, but it settles down. Rapsberry, pepper and a hint of green herb give it a snappy outlook, and while it’s mostly solid, it may be a tiny bit stretched compared to others. In between the folds, there’s mocha, pepper and a reedy bite. Nice wine with a couple of minor flaws. ——M.S.(2/1/2009)—— 87