The excellent 2014 Syrah Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard—which now bears the black-gold label formerly worn by the Santa Barbara County bottling—offers up an expressive nose of black cherry, blackberry, smoke, soil, tar and grilled meat. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, velvety and open-knit, with a juicy core of succulent fruit, polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Some 500 cases were produced.

Reminding me of a quality St. Joseph, the 2013 Syrah Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard comes from a site located at the southern end of the Edna Valley. Aged 17 months in 40% new French oak, it offers up lots of black raspberries, dried spices, white pepper and saddle leather in a medium-bodied, supple, thoroughly enjoyable and balanced package. It, too, will drink nicely for 4-6 years.

Coming from a vineyard located in the southern end of the Edna Valley, just across from Alban Vineyards, the 2012 Syrah Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard is 100% Syrah that saw 17 months in 40% new French oak. It's has a tight, austere style as well as medium-bodied richness, outstanding fruit intensity, and lots of white pepper, black raspberry, bacon fat and hints of olive. It's another classy Syrah from Bob that's stays true to the house style. I suspect it will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and drink nicely through 2027.

A big step up, with gorgeous aromatics of white pepper, smoked meat, underbrush, violets and crisp blackberry fruit, the 2010 Syrah Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard (17 months in 40% new French oak; plenty of whole cluster) is medium to full-bodied, pure and elegant, with excellent mid-palate depth and juicy acidity. It’s not a blockbuster, but is oh so fine and elegant. Give it another year or two and enjoy through 2025. Drink 2015-2025. Tel. (805) 937-9801; www.qupe.com

The 2009 Syrah Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard shows impressive power, but ultimately comes across as a touch rustic in its black cherries, game and damp earth notes. The up-front intensity of the fruit never seems to develop beyond the first impression. The wine was fermented with 33% whole clusters and spent 17 months in French oak barrels (40% new). Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. Tel. (805) 698-3889; www.qupe.com