The 2013 Syrah is a blend of the Papa’s Block and the Steiner Vineyard Syrahs that had been bottled singularly in the past. Deep and rich, with an opaque purple color, it offers up notes of pen ink, blackberries, roasted meats and lard. This big, rich, chunky, succulent Syrah (870 cases produced) should drink nicely for a decade or more.

The 2008 Syrah Dry Creek is composed of 86% Syrah, 12% Grenache, and 2% Viognier, with the Viognier co-fermented and the Grenache blended in after malolactic. The wine exhibits sweet black cherry, raspberry, and black currant fruit intermixed with notions of camphor, incense, licorice, and subtle background oak. Full-bodied, juicy, seductive, and nearly addictive, this intriguing Syrah should be drunk over the next 7-8 years. I reviewed these wines prior to bottling, but re-tasted them since they are now available commercially. Long-time readers know I am a huge fan of Mike Officer because of his efforts to resurrect old vine Zinfandel as well as his impressive portfolio of Rhone Rangers. Readers who have the discipline to wait 5-6 years should be seeking out Mike Officer’s blockbuster Petite Sirahs, still the most underrated, long-lived red wine varietal of California. Anyone who has followed this varietal over the last 20-25 years knows that it is nearly indestructible. Tel. (707) 566-7700; Fax (707) 566-7200

The 2006 Syrah Sonoma is an outstanding value in top-class Syrah and represents a 400-case blend of different sites. It is soft, round, with loads of blackberry fruit, some hints of lavender and underbrush, but clearly dominated by the black side of the fruit spectrum. This wine should drink well for 5-7 years.Tel. (707) 566-7700; Fax (707) 566-7200