This 6,000-case cuvee of 100% Syrah, made from a north-facing, hillside vineyard planted in granite and schist, offers up the chocolatey, softer side of Syrah. Big, fleshy, blackberry, smoke, and white chocolate aromas jump from the glass of this straightforward, fruity, medium-bodied 2003. It is ideal for drinking over the next several years. Why can’t California produce a Syrah with this much character for such a price? Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565