The 2006 Syrah exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as aromas of meat, tapenade, black cherries, and black currants. Richer, fuller, and more structured than its older sibling, it should evolve for 5-7 years. While these are both interesting wines that may merit slightly higher scores with another year or so of bottle age, they couldn’t be more different.www.roccawines.com

Smooth tannins on this Syrah. They’re soft and rich and complex, and the fruit is superripe, suggesting blackberry and cherry pie filling. But the wine tastes sugary sweet, and doesn’t seem likely to age.——S.H.(12/15/2009)—— 85