Opulent as well as intensely flavorful is the impressive 2001 IO Syrah Upper Bench Vineyard. It possesses a dark ruby/purple color, silky tannin, a seamless personality, and abundant quantities of black cherry, blackberry, and currant fruit with earth, oak, and spice notes. This forward 2001 is best consumed over the next 4-6 years. Tel. (805) 937-7288

Heaps of peppery blackberry fruit are wrapped in rich, fine tannins and near-perfect acidity. This is a young wine but it’s so drinkable. Fascinating from the first sip through the long, seductive finish.——S.H.(10/1/2003)—— 92