While Arcadian is better known for its portfolio of single vineyard Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, it has fashioned a 2001 Syrah Garys’ Vineyard offering loads of plum, black currant, and cassis characteristics, straightforward, pure, medium-bodied, chunky, fleshy flavors, good underlying acidity, and a subtle touch of wood. The finish reveals notions of licorice, pepper, and cassis. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. Tel. (805) 688-1876

Beautiful aromas of plums, tomato skins, tapenade, earth, and licorice jump from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-colored Syrah. Medium to full-bodied and ripe, with good underlying acidity as well as a gracious sense of elegance, it will provide plenty of pleasure over the next 7-8 years. Tel. (805) 688-1876

I was amazed by the Cote Rotie-like characteristics of the 1999 Syrah Garys' Vineyard. It boasts aromas of smoky bacon fat/lard along with abundant quantities of blackberry and cassis fruit. The wine possesses great purity, full body, low acidity, and tremendous density as well as richness. It will drink beautifully for 7-8 years. Wow! NOTE: In issue #139's Rhone Ranger report, I mistakenly listed Arcadian's 1999 Syrah Garys' Vineyard as a wine from Bonaccorsi. The tasting notes and score for that wine were correct, but it is from Arcadian, not Bonaccorsi. This is a re-print of that review with my apologies for the mistake. Tel. (805) 452-7413