Complete and deftly balanced, with a suppleness to the texture. The vivid red and dark berry flavors are focused and persistent. Drink now through 2022. 1,386 .

Tasted from bottle, the 2012 Syrah Santa Barbara County is a year-in and year-out outstanding wine, as well as a smoking value. Loaded with notions of plum, blackberry, licorice, violets, and hints of olive, this medium to full-bodied, delicious, forward Syrah will drink nicely for 3-4 years.

A kitchen sink blend of 80% Syrah, 7% Grenach, 4% Mourvedre, 3% Petite Sirah, 3% Viognier, and 3% Grenache Blanc, the 2011 Jaffurs Syrah is the leanest version of this cuvee I’ve tasted. Aromatic and perfumed, with solid blackberry, mineral, bramble, pepper, and hints of chocolate, it flows onto the palate with a firm, fresh feel, juicy acidity, and fine tannin that comes through on the finish. Building on the palate, with solid, balance, it’s a delicious effort meant for drinking over the coming 4-5 years.

An attractive, entry-level offering, the 2010 Syrah emerges from the glass with juicy dark plums, blackberries, spices, menthol and herbs. A dash of Viognier and a small percentage of whole clusters in fermentation give the wine an attractive upper register in its aromatics. The 2010 shows lovely balance and class to match its sleek, perfumed personality. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015.

Jaffurs 2010 Syrah (Santa Barbara Coun-ty). Here’s a rich, ripe, opulent Syrah, all jammy blackberry, cherry and currant flavors, sprinkled with black pepper and housed in a structure of firm, strong tannins. It’s a blend of some of the best vineyards in the county, including Bien Nacido, Larner and Ampelos. Drink now–2015.