2007 Tercero Syrah, Larner Vineyard, Santa Ynez
  The color of late twilight skies, staining your wine glass with a dark purple hue upon pouring. Expressive violet and purple fruit aromas along with a touch of vanilla and spice make you want to keep your nose in the glass. In the mouth, you’ll find a plentitude of juicy blue/black fruits, vanilla spice,cedar, and other enticing flavors. Noticeable but integrated tannins. A very special wine indeed. – Larry Schaffer

  2006 Ortman Family Vineyards Syrah, Paso Robles
  Winemaking:
  The Syrah was harvested in mid September after a long, steady growing season that culminated in moderate harvest temperatures and finely structured fruit. The must was cold soaked for four days prior to fermentation in small open-top fermenters. The cap was punched down twice daily. A full rack and return was employed both prior to and halfway through fermentation to ensure a full exchange between the juice and skins. The wine was aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, inclusive of 30 percent new oak for enhanced structure and complexity..

  2006 JC Cellars Syrah Haley’s Reserve Rockpile
  Tasting Notes:
  Effusive aromatics of ripe blackberry and blueberry fruit are entwined with touches of graphite and smoky game. The exotic berry aromas are bolstered by an impressive dense and rich palate. Incredibly supple tannins draw out an exceptionally long, dark and sexy finish. Red and black fruits, with a mineral backbone are the hallmarks of this wine and appellation. A wine of great depth and concentration, Rockpile Vineyard Syrah exhibits extracted fruit character, spice box, wet stone, and smoky notes followed by JC Cellars signature supple mouthfeel. All clusters are hand-sorted upon arrival, de-stemmed into ½ ton open-top fermenters, punched down 5 times per day, and pressed directly into new burgundian French oak barrels. -Jeff Cohn

  2005 Domaine François Villard Rouge Les Reflets, St Joseph, France
  From Wine Spectator: 93 Points
  Dark, sweet and spicy up front, with mouthfilling plum, licorice and fruitcake notes, all backed by a fleshy texture and a finish that's loaded with dark cocoa, fig and black licorice notes. Has great grip. 1,005 cases made. –JM

  2006 Domaine François Villard Mairlant Rouge, St Joseph, France
  From Wine Spectator: 91 Points
  Very rich and fleshy, with forward fig and blackberry fruit pushed by bacony toast and cocoa notes on the back end, followed by a focused, velvety finish. Drink now through 2012. 1,067 cases made. –JM