An amazing performance, even better than last year’s showing from tank, the 2004 Syrah Moritz is produced from one of Clarendon Hills’ youngest vineyard sites (planted in 1975). The wine was aged in 42% new French oak for 18 months prior to being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Gorgeous aromas of flowers, blueberries, cassis, and meat jump from the glass of this cuvee. With huge body and a rich, intense style, Bratasiuk claims it is his hypothetical blend of a Cornas and Hermitage, although it possesses more fruit than most of those wines. It should drink well for a minimum of 15 years. Importer: Wine Brokers Unlimited, tel. (866) 416-9463

This wine is stylistically somewhere between the Liandra and the Brookman. It’s rich and dense, packed with authoritative flavors of dark fruits—blueberries and plums—accented by espresso and smoke. Long and powerful on the finish, with 10-plus years of ageability. ——J.C.(12/15/2006)—— 93