I never much cared for Bordeaux wines from this coolish appellation. Now, with this new blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah and Viognier, Wattle Creek is trying the Northern Rhone, with success. The wine shows some rustic toughness, but there’s a gorgeous core of cherry and blackberry fruit. A wine to watch.——S.H.(12/31/2006)—— 87