The 2008 Syrah Rodgers Creek Vineyard is made in a riper style than the Lawer Vineyard and therefore has more fruit to balance the tannins, although the aromatics aren’t quite as well delineated. Sweet minty, floral notes linger on the green, slightly awkward finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. www.skylarkwine.com

The 2007 Syrah Rodgers Creek Vineyard, a source that has performed brilliantly in the hands of Sonoma winemaker David Ramey, comes across here as lean, austere, and tannic. The wine was totally closed, had a deep ruby/purple color, but the texture seemed suspect, and the level of concentration and ripeness marginal. I suspect the fruit was picked too early, or else the wine is in an ungracious state. www.skylarkwine.com