The 2011 Syrah Santa Barbara County offers up meaty notes of underbrush, wild herbs and darker cherries to go with a medium-bodied, supple, up-front and delicious personality. Made from 100% Syrah and aged 11 months in a combination of French, American and Hungarian oak, drink it over the coming 3-4 years. Tel. (805) 691-1020; www.consiliencewines.com

The 2005 Syrah Santa Barbara possesses a fat, fleshy personality that is very much in keeping with the estate's signature. Its dense purple hue is accompanied by copious quantities of black fruits interwoven with hints of new oak and char. While mouthfilling, it does not display the complexity of the top efforts. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. Tel. (805) 691-1020; Fax (805) 691-1018

The straightforward 2004 Syrah Santa Barbara offers plenty of jammy berry fruit, smoke, earth, new oak, and spice characteristics, but the finish is somewhat simple. It is a well-made, jammy Syrah for near-term consumption ... over the next 2-3 years. This is an impeccably well-made, big wine. Consilience certainly does not cheat the consumer on flavor intensity or power. These are all high-test wines, so purchasers be forewarned. Tel. (805) 691-1020; Fax (805) 691-1020