Morlet’s first Syrah, the 2006 Syrah Bouquet Garni, comes from a hillside vineyard in the Bennett Valley. The wine has dense peppery, blackberry fruit intermixed with some lard and truffle-like notes. The wine has terrific fruit intensity, full body, sweet tannin, and low acidity. Morlet told me this is essentially a warm vineyard in a relatively cool-climate zone. This wine is already drinkable and should evolve nicely for another 5-6 years. This is an impressive debut from one of the up-and-coming new superstars in California. Luc Morlet has been traveling a lot, with his older brother taking over for him at Peter Michael, where he still remains in a quasi-consulting role. He seemed to be settled at Staglin Family Vineyards, but that lasted only a few months, and he is doing what he wants now, producing his own wines. These are the debut releases. (While there will be two Chardonnays added to the portfolio, most of this is from the Sonoma Coast.) These are very impressive wines. Tel. (707) 967-8690; Fax (707) 967-8590