The most expensive wine, the 2007 Syrah Viking Estate Reserve, is big, full-bodied, broad, and juicy, with an inky/purple color and loads of blackberry and cassis fruits as well as hints of licorice, camphor, and pepper. The wine is layered, full-bodied, very impressive, yet at the same time retains its elegance and impressive overall purity. One of the better wineries in Paso Robles, Adelaida continues to turn out high quality wines that remain realistically priced. Kudos to winemaker Terry Culton, who continues to show a fine talent for producing quality wines from Adelaida Cellars.Tel. (800) 676-1232; Fax (805) 239-4671

Complicated in flavor, and totally dry, this Syrah has flavors of wild blackberries and cherries, licorice, herbs and spices that grow in the glass. It’s a soft wine made for drinking now. ——S.H.(2/1/2011)—— 91