Dark and racy, with a Northern Rhone-style aroma of black pepper, cedar and black currants, but there’s nothing Rhone-like about the flavor. It’s distinctly California, with soft, sweetly ripe tannins bursting with blackberry jam, black currants, anise, vanilla and sweet oak flavors. The wine is fully dry. Absolutely first-rate Syrah.——S.H.(3/1/2008)—— 95