The 2007 The Alchemist, an intriguing blend of 79% Syrah, 19% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, is fabulous. Inky ruby/purple in color, with an extraordinary nose of scorched earth a la a top Graves wine from Bordeaux intermixed with tar, acacia flower, blackberry, and creme de cassis as well as graphite, its incredibly complex aromatics are followed by a full-bodied wine with considerable opulence, flesh, purity, and depth. Seamless integration of tannin, good, vibrant acidity (no doubt from the limestone soils), and a freshness (despite the wine’s substantial size) make for a compelling red. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. Booker Vineyard, a 40-acre vineyard planted on limestone soils just west of Highway 101, continues to strut its stuff after its impressive debut in 2005. I retasted several of the 2006s I had last year, and the ratings were slightly elevated. Tel. (805) 237-7367; Fax (805) 237-7368