The 2007 Syrah Estate (2,000 cases produced) includes a small amount of co-fermented Viognier, which provides a spicy, floral component to its black currant, peppery, meaty style. More closed than it was last year, it begs for another 6-12 months of cellaring. With impressive purity as well as medium to full body, it should evolve nicely for 7-8 years. Stolpman is a relatively large 220-acre estate (not yet fully planted) in the Ballard Canyon, twenty-five miles from the Pacific Ocean. The winemaker is Sashi Moorman, who continues to demonstrate his enviable talent across a broad spectrum of Rhone Ranger wines.Tel. (805) 688-0400

Not showing well now due to tough, gritty tannins and unintegrated fruit and oak flavors that taste jammy sweet in raspberries, cherries and mocha, like a little fruit pastry. All the parts seem to be there to age. Try towards 2011.——S.H.(4/1/2010)—— 87