A sound, everyday Syrah that will pair well with grilled meats. It’s a little on the soft side but nicely dry, with flavors of herbs, pepper and cherries. Drink now.——S.H.(8/1/2009)—— 85

Buena Vista’s been trying hard to get this cool-climate, single-vineyard wine right, and they’ve been succeeding inch by inch in building in layers of complexity. The ’05 is rich and ripe in blackberry, pepper and new oak flavors, and is very dry and tannic. It will benefit from 3–4 years in the cellar.——S.H.(4/1/2008)—— 90