The dense ruby/purple-colored 2007 Syrah offers a big, sweet kiss of boysenberry, black cherry, charcoal, and wood smoke as well as a subtle burning ember component. This complex, dense, medium to full-bodied, elegant, pure wine can be enjoyed over the next 5-6 years. Tel. (805) 688-1278; Fax (805) 686-1508

A beautiful Syrah, dry, full-bodied and tannic, that shows lots of class and elegance at this price. It has rich, complex flavors of blackberries, black cherries, red currants and oak, with earthy, leathery, bacon and licorice notes. Needs a few years to come around due to the tannins, or give it a good decant.——S.H.(2/1/2010)—— 91