A good, everyday Syrah that wants rich dishes to show it off. It’s dry and tannic, with black currant, cherry jam and mocha flavors complexed with peppery olive tapenade and tamari-marinated beef. Drink now. ——S.H.(12/15/2008)—— 85

Faint grape and toast and a barnyardy, brett note show on the nose. In the mouth, it’s full-bodied and chewy with brisk acidity, showing blackberry, smoked-meat and coffee flavors. Still a little rough on the back end, with tannins to lose—best held 3–4 years. Shows promise, though the nose was rather mute.——W.E.(11/1/2001)—— 88

From an increasingly well-regarded Monterey producer comes this full-throttle Syrah, young, juicy and complex. Deeply flavored with blackberries and the ripest cherries. Spicy, dry and tannic, it’s fruity enough to enjoy now with hearty foods but will gain delicacy with age.——W.E.(11/1/1999)—— 91