A big, vital Syrah, massively packed with intense blackberry fruit, in the way of Mount Veeder reds. It’s distinctly Syrah-esque, with pepper and bacon flavors, and the winemaker has added a deft layer of smoky oak. Very good, but young and sweetly immature. Needs time. Give it another three years, but if you pop the cork now, decant for several hours. ——S.H.(12/31/2011)—— 92