The 2009 Syrah Ballard Canyon Estate Reserve literally oozes from the glass with masses of dark, jammy fruit, licorice, tar and copious French oak. This is a disappointing showing. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. I was very impressed with the Chardonnays and Pinots I tasted from Rusack. The Syrahs appear to be works in progress, but given the level of the best wines here, I see no reason why they can’t be of similar quality. Hopefully that will happen sooner rather than later.Tel. (805) 688-1278; info@rusackvineyards.com

The 2004 Syrah Ballard Canyon Reserve is inky/blue/purple to the rim. It offers scents of graphite, white flowers, blueberries, blackberries, and black raspberries. This full-bodied, pure, layered, multifaceted, stunning Syrah should be drunk over the next decade.Tel. (805) 688-1278

A great big, oaky wine; it’s full-bodied, tannic and incredibly fruity. But the tannins are sweet and softly ripe, and as rich as the fruit is in black cherries, black raspberries, smoky blueberries, mushu plum sauce and carob, there’s good acidity to balance it. It all adds up to a totally delicious wine that’s ready to drink now.——S.H.(8/1/2007)—— 93

The outstanding 2003 Syrah Ballard Canyon Reserve reveals floral, blackberry, and vanillin notes along with medium to full body, superb density, outstanding purity and texture, and a long finish with moderate tannin. Give it 1-2 years of bottle age and drink it over the following decade.Tel. (805) 688-1278

Big and bold, with sturdy blackberry and coffee flavors that pick up a hint of vanilla on the lingering finish. A hint of shoe polish on the nose dampened our enthusiasm, but this is still a fine example of American Syrah. ——W.E.(9/1/2005)—— 88