Amazing that a winery would hold back an estate-grown Syrah for five years before release, but Joseph Swan did with this wine. It’s still pretty tannic, but the core of blackberries, blueberries and dark chocolate is starting to explode into the secondary characteristics associated with aged wine. And that is very exciting, especially at this price. Should continue to evolve over the next five years. ——S.H.(2/1/2012)—— 92

A bit over the top in fruity extraction, a bomb blast of sweet raspberry, cherry and blackberry jam. It’s almost like a dessert wine. Yet there’s a lot of tannins and acidity, and who knows? It could do interesting things. At this price, buy a bottle and stick it in the cellar for six years.——S.H.(8/1/2011)—— 87

Tons of jammy fruit in this softly tannic, easy-to-drink wine. Explodes with the essence of blackberries, cherries, raspberries, mulberries and chocolate, with plenty of pepper and other Asian spices.——S.H.(5/1/2009)—— 86

Nearly five years after it was made, this Syrah remains dark and tannic, but the fruit is starting to make the magical transition from primary to secondary. It’s picking up dried blackberry, dessicated blueberry and beef jerky flavors that finish long and spicy. Yet it still has youthful acidity and freshness. This will be a fun wine to follow over the next five years.——S.H.(9/1/2007)—— 92