More voluptuous, textured and layered than the Bien Nacido, the 2010 Syrah Upslope (100% Syrah that’s 50% Thompson, 33% Larner and 17% Verna’s) is a brilliant effort! Showing deep blackberry and raspberry fruit, wet stone-like minerality, spring flowers, herbes de Provence and hints of bacon fat, it flows onto the palate with a medium to full-bodied, elegant palate feel, gorgeous fruit and a clean, lengthy finish. Still tight and backwards, it needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will drink beautifully for 10-12 years. Drink now-2022.

This is Jaffurs’ reserve-style Syrah, the best barrels from various vineyards. It’s softly tannic and incredibly complex, with waves of blackberry jam, cassis, chocolate, gingersnap cookie and pepper flavors that are rich and intense. Beautiful and compelling, the wine finishes dry.