The unevolved 1997 Syrah Durell Vineyard offers terrific fruit, but still tastes like a barrel sample. A saturated blue/purple color is followed by abundant quantities of cassis, blackberry, and black raspberry fruit scents. There is some underlying toasty wood in this formidably concentrated, spicy, dense, powerful Syrah. It needs 2-3 years of cellaring, but should keep for 12-15+.This 4,000 case winery will expand production in 1999 to approximately 10,000 cases. This is good news for everyone who has been trying to find these hand-crafted products.One of my favorite artisanal California producers, Edmunds St. John continues to do tasty things with an assortment of varietals other than the wine world's favorite flavors - Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.Tel. (510) 981-1510; Fax (510) 981-1610