The 2009 Syrah Bouquet Garni flows across the palate with expressive layers of fruit. There is a caressing, inviting quality to the 2009 that makes it incredibly inviting even at this early stage. Plums, black cherries, spices, licorice and tar are woven together beautifully on the creamy, expansive finish. This is a lovely wine to drink now and over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. I was quite frankly amazed by the range of wines I tasted with Luc Morlet. The wines span everything from single-variety Chardonnays, Pinots and Syrahs to Bordeaux-inspired blends. La Proportion Doree is a Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blend with a dash of Muscadelle. Morlet’s Billet Doux is a late-harvest version of that wine, but with fruit just from Alexander Valley. Passionnement is Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyards in Oakville, while Coeur de Vallee is Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, also from Oakville. Mon Chevalier is a Bordeaux-style blend made from vineyards in Knights Valley. Morlet Estate, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from St. Helena, is the newest wine in the lineup. Tel. (707) 967-8690; www.morletwines.com

The 2009 Syrah Bouquet Garni flows across the palate with expressive layers of fruit. There is a caressing, inviting quality to the 2009 that makes it incredibly inviting even at this early stage. Plums, black cherries, spices, licorice and tar are woven together beautifully on the creamy, expansive finish. This is a lovely wine to drink now and over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. I was quite frankly amazed by the range of wines I tasted with Luc Morlet. The wines span everything from single-variety Chardonnays, Pinots and Syrahs to Bordeaux-inspired blends. La Proportion Doree is a Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blend with a dash of Muscadelle. Morlet’s Billet Doux is a late-harvest version of that wine, but with fruit just from Alexander Valley. Passionnement is Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyards in Oakville, while Coeur de Vallee is Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, also from Oakville. Mon Chevalier is a Bordeaux-style blend made from vineyards in Knights Valley. Morlet Estate, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from St. Helena, is the newest wine in the lineup.Tel. (707) 967-8690; www.morletwines.com