Syrah - Vinrare - Buy Fine Wine Online - Fine Wines International

1996 Araujo Eisele California (750ml)

$98.00

Robert Parker 92

The 1996 Syrah Eisele Vineyard (350 cases) is a full-bodied, brawny wine revealing the tell-tale peppery, blackberry, and cassis scents that seem so easy to obtain with this varietal in California. It is rich and pure, with sweet tannin and plenty of power harnessed in a symmetrical, large-scaled effort that is not without considerable elegance for its mass and volume. This wine can be drunk now, but should be even better with 2-3 years of cellaring, and should last for 15 or more years.

1996 Turley, Aida Vineyard California (750ml)

$88.00

Wine Spectator 91

"Young and grapey, with a deep, saturated color and appealing ripe berry and cherry flavors, finishing with big, ripe tannins."

1997 Behrens & Hitchcock Ode to Picasso California (750ml)

$78.00

Robert Parker 91-93

Named after a long deceased cat, the 1997 Ode to Picasso (a blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Merlot) is far superior to the very good 1996. It reveals the winery's tell-tale aromas of blackberries, blueberries, and cassis, as well as terrific fruit intensity, a layered texture, and huge flavors. Although built like a fortress, it possesses glorious levels of fruit and plenty of power. Accessible enough to be drunk young, it will keep for 12-15+ years.

1997 Turley, Aida Vineyard California (750ml)

$88.00

Robert Parker 90

"The 1997 Petite Syrah Aida Vineyard (from 80-year old vines) assaults the palate with such an overload of fruit, tannin, and extract that the taster's first impression is that this is something more than table wine. It is a massive, almost uncivilized, wildly out of control Petite Syrah that will require 10-15 years of cellaring, and last for 30 or more. I have been conservative in my judgment because the tannin nearly melted the fillings in my teeth, but this is an amazing, astonishing wine that will be fascinating to follow over the next 3-4 decades."

1997 Turley, Rattlesnake Acres California (750ml)

$78.00

Robert Parker 91

"A new offering, the 1997 Petite Syrah Rattlesnake Acres is from a 50-year old plantation of Petite Sirah. The wine's notes suggested I needed to return to my hotel to grab my floss after tasting this wine. The color is a saturated, thick black/purple. The wine reveals surprising amounts of toasty new oak in the nose (Turley only uses 25%-30% new oak). In the mouth, it is "beyond immense, massive, and gargantuan," and should be purchased only by those seeking an adventurous wine experience."

1998 Araujo Eisele California (750ml)

$98.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 91

Bright red-ruby. Very complex aromas of raspberry, tar,smoked meat and burnished oak. Big, rich and smoky,with a sophisticated texture and hints of exotic fruits. Very suave, smooth syrah.

Robert Parker

"The 1998 Syrah Eisele vineyard is a soft, supple-textured, opulent, civilized effort that can be drunk now as well as over the next 8-10 years. Not a blockbuster, it is elegantly rendered, pure, and filled with blackberry/cassis fruit as well as a hint of honeysuckle provided by 8% Viognier in the blend."

1998 Turley, Hayne Vineyard California (750ml)

$78.00

Wine Spectator 90

"A big, rich, hearty style, loaded with plush, ripe plum, pepper, mocha and beefy notes. Has enough depth and stuffing to be cellared."

Robert Parker 90-94

There are only 325 cases of the blockbuster, sensationally rich, hyper-concentrated 1998 Petite Syrah Hayne Vineyard (14.5% alcohol). It exhibits ripeness, impressive concentration, and a blockbuster, gargantuan finish that lasts for 40-45 seconds. This effort possesses exquisite purity and fabulously ripe, unmanipulated fruit that cuts a creamy, lush texture on the palate. The Hayne Vineyard requires 3-4 years of cellaring, and will keep for at least two decades.

1998 Turley, Rattlesnake Acres California (750ml)

$78.00

Robert Parker 89

"There are 275 cases of the dense, tannic, concentrated, outstanding 1998 Petite Syrah Rattlesnake Acres (14.2% alcohol) This effort possesses exquisite purity and fabulously ripe, unmanipulated fruit that cuts a creamy, lush texture on the palate. The Rattlesnake Acres will drink well in 3-4 years and keep for 15 or more."

Wine Spectator 90

"A big, muscular, hearty style, rich in ripe stewed plum, white pepper and beefy notes, turning firm and chewy."

1999 Dehlinger California (750ml)

$42.00

Robert Parker 87

The dark ruby/purple-colored 1999 Syrah Goldridge Vineyard (325 cases) possesses a sweet perfume of blackberry liqueur intermixed with cassis. While the finish is short, the wine is elegant, with good fruit, medium body, and excellent purity.

FineWine International

Deep ruby color and aromatic. Classic syrah, showing black pepper and spice. Elegant, with purity of fruit and a medium long finish.

1999 Turley, Hayne Vineyard California (750ml)

$119.00

Robert Parker 97

Potentially perfect, the 1999 Petite-Syrah Hayne Vineyard is a 50 year wine. If it is showing any age after a decade of cellaring, I will be surprised as its producers. An opaque black/blue color is followed by an extraordinary perfume of blackberry and creme de cassis blended with spices, minerals, and earth. Frightfully tannic, with unreal concentration, texture, and length, this behemoth is one of the most concentrated wines I have ever tasted.

2000 Dehlinger Goldridge (750ml)

$55.00

Wine Spectator 88-90

Ripe and vibrant, with juicy center of plum and wild berry shaded by fresh earth and pepper flavors. Turns supple, with raspberry and tart currant notes on a long, complex finish.

2000 Lagier Meredith, Mt. Veeder California (750ml)

$45.00

Robert Parker 91

From a 4-acre, east-facing Mt. Veeder vineyard, this blend of 99.96% Syrah and .04% Viognier was aged 20 months in French oak, and bottled without filtration. Sadly, only 307 cases were produced. It is a classy, savory, complex, seamless Syrah revealing wonderful aromas of sweet blackberries and currants intermixed with licorice, acacia flowers, and hints of wood as well as earth. Textured and broad, with beautiful integration of acidity, tannin, and wood, this complex effort should drink well for a decade. Kudos!

Wine Spectator 92

Dark, rich, intense and plush given its size and density of flavor, serving up a tight core of currant, plum, mineral, white pepper, sage and blackberry fruit. Amazing vibrancy and vitality to the fruit flavors. Tannins are substantial, too.

2000 Sine Qua Non In Flagrante (750ml)

$290.00

Robert Parker 96

The 2000 In Flagrante (a 725-case blend of 86% Syrah, 10% Grenache, and 4% Viognier) is a world-class, provocative effort. It reveals many of the same aromatic and flavor components found in the 2001 Midnight Oil and 2002 Syrah-dominated, unnamed offering. A black color is followed by a seamless effort loaded with blackberry, honey, and flower aromas, and an extraordinarily long, concentrated finish. As with all great wines, tasting notes/descriptors just can?t do it justice. Among the recent SQN Syrahs, it is a strikingly elegant and powerful wine that has a decidedly French flair to it.

2000 Turley, Rattlesnake Acres California (750ml)

$88.00

Robert Parker 95+

"The 2000 Petite Syrah Rattlesnake Acres is a behemoth. There are 300 cases of this opaque purple-colored effort. It is tremendously perfumed, offering up scents of white flowers, licorice, cassis, blackberries, and espresso. This dense, full-bodied, and evolved, offering may be civilized enough to drink in 10 years. It has 25 years of life ahead of it."

2001 Turley, Hayne Vineyard California (750ml)

List Price: ~~$129.00~~ Our Price: $99.00

$99.00

Wine Spectator 91

Dense and concentrated, a bit restrained, with muscular tannins holding tight to the core of earthy blackberry, plum and mineral flavors, though the fruit makes one big push on the long, tannic finish.

Robert Parker 96

The 2001 Petite Syrah Hayne Vineyard's black/purple color is accompanied by a compelling bouquet of black fruits, graphite, and white flowers reminiscent of a top-flight Hermitage. Tremendously rich, full-bodied, and viscous, with 13.2% alcohol, sweet tannin, and well-integrated wood, this profound Petite Syrah will be at its finest between 2008-2020+. This is truly magnificent stuff with great purity, length, and intensity.

2001 Turley, Rattlesnake Acres California (750ml)

$78.00

2002 Failla, Phoenix Ranch California (750ml)

$36.00

Robert Parker

"The 2002 Syrah Phoenix Ranch, from a vineyard planted at the base of Atlas Peak, exhibits an intense black/purple color as well as attractive Syrah aromas of bacon fat intermixed with blackberries, licorice, and a touch of pepper. In the mouth, it narrows a bit, and finishes with medium-bodied, firm tannin."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

"Bright ruby-blue. Lively, floral aromas of blueberry, currant, gunflint and smoked meat. Quite firm on the palate despite a high pH, with bright flavors of red fruits, smoked meat, spices and pepper. Finishes with solid tannins and good length. Shows much more varietal complexity than the 2001 bottling."

2002 Hyde de Vallaine California (750ml)

$45.00

Wine Spectator 92

"A dense, rich yet elegantly styled wine with layers of tobacco leaf, beef carpaccio, white pepper, wild berry, raspberry and plum, holding a sharp focus and finishing with a long, persistent finish that gains complexity and nuance, and has just the right mix of tannins and acidity."

Robert Parker

"The Syrah is made in an elegant, French style. The 2002 Syrah reveals a deep, dark ruby color along with a sweet nose of black cherries, mountain berries, flowers, and white pepper. Crisp, tart acidity, medium body, and a clean finish suggest this French-styled Syrah should drink well for 4-6 years. It is vaguely reminiscent of a low-keyed St.-Joseph."

2002 Sean Thackrey Orion California (750ml)

$110.00

Robert Parker 96-100

"A riveting example of Syrah is the 2002 Orion. It boasts a black/purple color with more mint and blackberry notes intermixed with exotic floral characteristics. With great intensity, full body, multiple dimensions, and superb purity as well as length, this blockbuster is incredibly well-balanced/harmonious. It should drink reasonably well young, yet keep for 12-15 years."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 92

"Deep ruby-red. Fasten your seat belts, red berries, Grand Marnier, Thai basil, geranium, eucalyptus, bitter lime, quinine and resiny oak on the nose. Then thick and dense but penetrating in the mouth, with primary raspberry and strawberry flavors complicated by an exotic apricot note and framed by lively acids. A fascinating, firmly built wine that showed a compelling sweetness as it opened in the glass. Finishes with very sweet tannins and impressive persistence. My score is intended for the initiated: you know who you are."

2002 Turley, Hayne Vineyard California (750ml)

$98.00

Robert Parker 93-95

The 2002 Petite Syrah Hayne Vineyard (400 cases) represents the essence of this varietal. It is an intriguing, provocative effort boasting an inky/purple color as well as a sumptuous nose of graphite intermixed with melted licorice, espresso, chocolate, blackberries, blueberries, and concentrated creme de cassis. Pepper and flower-like aromas are also present, but no oak is noticeable in this massively extracted, phenomenally rich, shockingly well-balanced Petite Syrah. Its purity and palate impression are fantastic. Cellar it for 5-10 years, and drink it over the following two decades.

2003 Araujo Eisele California (750ml)

$114.00

Robert Parker 94

Araujo's Syrah Eisele Vineyard, which includes a small amount of Viognier, is a beautifully elegant yet full-flavored, authoritative Syrah that begs for attention. The nuanced, classic 2003 Syrah Eisele Vineyard (includes 4% co-fermented Viognier) exhibits a deep ruby/purple color followed by an attractive perfume of graphite, blackberries, chocolate, camphor, and cassis. Despite its power, richness, and concentration, it is a finesse-styled, silky-textured wine that should age well for 10-12 years.

2003 Martinelli Zio Tony Ranch California (750ml)

$60.00

Robert Parker 95

The 2003 Syrah Zio Tony Ranch Gianna Marie has only 14.9% alcohol, which almost makes it seem wimpy compared to their Zinfandels. There are 182 cases of this monster Syrah that boasts classic bacon fat aromas intermixed with blackberry liqueur, cassis, melted licorice, and pepper. This amazingly rich, full-bodied, unctuously textured wine should drink well for at least 10 years or more.

2003 Pax, Cuvee Keltie California (750ml)

$92.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 92+

..a blend of lots from multiple vineyards, all vinified with 100% whole clusters, and aged in a very low percentage of new oak) Good medium ruby. Sappy, spicy aromas of fruity chocolate and violet; offers terrific floral lift but without the benefit of any viognier. Then dense and almost painfully concentrated, with black fruit, bitter chocolate and spice flavors framed by firm acids. Finishes with gripping (stem) tannins that really call for four or five years of patience. "An un-California wine," Mahle notes.

Robert Parker 94

Notes of bacon fat, flowers, creme de cassis, blackberries, and charred wood jump from the glass of the 2003 Syrah Cuvee Keltie. No new oak is utilized, but 100% stems are used in the production of this big, tannic monster (14.9% alcohol). It comes across as a hybrid version of a ripe northern Rhone and a classic, rich, concentrated Syrah from California. This beauty is best cellared for another 1-3 years, and drunk over the following 10-12.

2003 Turley, Hayne Vineyard California (750ml)

$102.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 91+

Saturated ruby. Exotic aromas of black cherry, candied dark berries and licorice. Like a confiture of dark berries and black cherry in the mouth, given penetration and grip by underlying mineral character and powerful tannic spine. Quite dry and uncompromising.

Robert Parker 93-95

"The 2003 Petite Syrah Hayne Vineyard displays the telltale squid ink-like color with some purple hues, and a stupendous nose of pure, black fruits intermixed with minerals, licorice, and incense. Full-bodied, with massively extracted flavors but incredibly well-balanced and vibrant, this wine needs 5-10 years of bottle-age and should age effortlessly for a quarter of a century."

Wine Enthusiast 94

What an aroma. So cote-Rotie, so poerful and rich, yet so refined. Masses of white pepper, cassis, freshly ground French roast, cocoa, ginersnap cookie, char, vanilla, cinnamom-and that's just the smell! In the mouth, there's allthat and more. Dry, massive, deep and long. A triumph. Cellar Selection.

2004 Araujo Eisele California (750ml)

$129.00

Robert Parker 94-96

Although production is tiny (300 cases), Araujo�s Eisele Vineyard Syrah is an ageworthy effort that is generally co-fermented with a small amount of Viognier (around 4%), and aged in French oak (50% new). An exotic, floral, litchi nut, blackberry jam, licorice, and spice-filled bouquet soars from the glass of the inky/blue/purple-hued 2004 Syrah Eisele Vineyard. The dollop of Viognier included in the blend provides uplift to the aromatics of this opulent, flamboyant, ostentatious 2004. It should drink beautifully for 7-10 years.

2004 Artisan Wines Old Press Syrah, Passo Robles California (750ml)

$25.00

FineWine International

John Hulihan, wine director of the Bradley Ogden group of restaurants and Bob Lindquist, wine maker/owner of Qupe Winery have joined forces to produce this lovely Syrah. Dark garnet in color, with fragrant blueberry and blackberry aromas. The tannins and acidity are in balance. The wine is smooth and has a well rounded structure. The flavors will remind you of a classic Crozes Hermitage from a producer like Alain Graillot. This is not your typical Calfornia Syrah.

2004 Murphy Vineyards Sierra Foothills California (750ml-4pk)

$87.00

Wine- Maker Notes

This Syrah starts with a smoky nose of grilled fruits and ends with flavors of black cherries and allspice. Made in the lighter style with brisk acidity and mouth-watering tannins, this Syrah pairs beautifully with pork dishes. The floral aromas of this wine are similar to the 2004 Syrah. Medium bodied with full flavors, but not overpowering making a long smooth finish.

2004 Murphy Vineyards Sierra Foothills California (750ml)

$19.00

Wine- Maker Notes

This Syrah starts with a smoky nose of grilled fruits and ends with flavors of black cherries and allspice. Made in the lighter style with brisk acidity and mouth-watering tannins, this Syrah pairs beautifully with pork dishes. The floral aromas of this wine are similar to the 2004 Syrah. Medium bodied with full flavors, but not overpowering making a long smooth finish.

2004 Parmalee-Hill, Sonoma Valley California (750ml)

$26.00

Jim Weinrott

"Deep purple color. Ripe aromas of dark purple fruit and black cherry with wonderful high tones. Ripe, juicy and brooding, with a gorgeous core of black cherry and blackberry fruit. But what really makes this wine sing is the persistence of the finish. Excellent vibrancy and freshness, perfectly balancing the wine's great richness. Drink now-2012."

2004 Parmalee-Hill, Sonoma Valley California (750ml-4pk)

$148.00

Jim Weinrott

"Deep purple color. Ripe aromas of dark purple fruit and black cherry with wonderful high tones. Ripe, juicy and brooding, with a gorgeous core of black cherry and blackberry fruit. But what really makes this wine sing is the persistence of the finish. Excellent vibrancy and freshness, perfectly balancing the wine's great richness. Drink now-2012."

2004 Pax, Cuvee Keltie California (750ml)

$88.00

Robert Parker 95-97

"The 2004 Syrah Cuvee Keltie (100% Syrah) displays classic licorice, asphalt, new saddle leather, blackberry liqueur, white chocolate, and pepper characteristics. This dense, full-bodied, superb Syrah possesses considerable structure and tannin. Give it 1-3 years of bottle age and consume it over the following 10-12."

2004 Robert Foley California (750ml)

$98.00

Robert Parker 95

"The 2004 Petite Sirah is one of the most compelling examples of this varietal that I have ever tasted from California. As longtime readers know, I believe this is the most underrated varietal in California, but it's not exactly a fun wine to drink young. After 10-15 years of age, it often reveals more character than many more expensive reds. Bob Foley has fashioned a true blockbuster that should age for three decades, but should be accessible when young given its abundant extraction and richness. The softness of the tannins and the wine�s silky, voluptuous character suggest it can be consumed over the next 2-3 years, but it will not reveal many secondary nuances for 5-6 more years. An inky/black/ruby color is accompanied by notes of incense, fruit cake, blackberries, chocolate, and roasted coffee. Although it has huge body as well as massive concentration, nothing is out of place in this tour de force that takes Petite Sirah to a mythical level of quality."

2004 Turley Estate California (750ml)

$78.00

Robert Parker 93-95

The Petite Syrah reveals a black/purple color as well as notes of graphite, smoke, blackberries, blueberries, creme de cassis, a liqueur of mineral-like intensity, and huge tannin and concentration. The 2004 Petite Syrah Turley Estate is on the fastest evolutionary track. This is a prodigious wine that should be purchased only by those with cold cellars and good DNA for longevity as it will all age for 40-50 years.

2004 Turley, Hayne Vineyard California (750ml)

$124.00

Robert Parker 96-98

The Petite Syrah reveals a black/purple color as well as notes of graphite, smoke, blackberries, blueberries, creme de cassis, a liqueur of mineral-like intensity, and huge tannin and concentration. The 2004 Petite Syrah Hayne Vineyard possesses the purest fruit, density, and intensity. This is a prodigious wine that should be purchased only by those with cold cellars and good DNA for longevity as it will all age for 40-50 years.

2004 Turley, Rattlesnake Acres California (750ml)

$78.00

Robert Parker 96-98

The Petite Syrah reveals a black/purple color as well as notes of graphite, smoke, blackberries, blueberries, creme de cassis, a liqueur of mineral-like intensity, and huge tannin and concentration. The 2004 Petite Syrah Rattlesnake Ridge is the most backward, tannic, and structured. This is a prodigious wine that should be purchased only by those with cold cellars and good DNA for longevity as it will all age for 40-50 years.

2005 Colgin IX Estate California (750ml)

$255.00

Robert Parker 95

The 2005 IX Syrah Estate is a dense purple-hued wine of polished elegance and finesse, subtle but intense aromatics offering up notes of earth, lard, meat, spring flowers as well as black and blue fruits. It is buttressed by good acidity, and fine, yet sweet tannins. This medium to full-bodied wine should evolve effortlessly for a decade or more. There are less than 400 cases of the estate wine. Ann Colgin and her winemaking team have been making Cabernet Sauvignon from the Herb Lamb Vineyard since 1992, but the production seems to get smaller and smaller every year.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 93

Good deep ruby-red. Knockout nose combines black raspberry, mocha, Cuban tobacco, smoked meat, bitter chocolate and white pepper. Sweet, dense and thick, but with the lively acidity of the year contributing freshness to the flavors of dark berries, bitter chocolate and licorice. This wonderfully sweet wine really grips the palate. I'd love to be able to jump ahead ten years to see what this will do in the cellar. The pH is a solid 4.0, and yet this wine has real verve.

Wine Spectator 96

Intense and concentrated, with tightly wound pepper, spice, wild berry, currant and fresh leather flavors that slowsly unfold.

2005 Cristom Vineyards Estate Oregon (750ml-4pk)

$140.00

Wine Spectator 91

A blast of black pepper heralds this as a cool-climate Syrah, brimming with vivid blackberry and wild plum fruit that lasts into the polished and lively finish. Drink now through 2012.

2005 Lagier Meredith, Mt. Veeder California (750ml)

$60.00

Robert Parker 95

"I have always enjoyed the elegant, French-styled Syrahs from this winery, and this 2005 appears to be the finest they have yet produced. A beautiful deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by aromas of blueberries, black raspberries, spice, and ground pepper. Displaying a seamless integration of acidity, alcohol, tannin, and wood, winemaker/proprietor Carol Meredith has fashioned a brilliant Syrah offering substance and style. With full body, superb balance, a silky texture, and a fascinating mouthfeel, it can be drunk now as well as over the next 7-8 years."

Wine Spectator 92

"Enticing floral, jasmine, wild berry and blueberry scents fold over on the palate, giving this sleek, focused youngster a tight beam of fruit and a touch of sage and game meat. The tannins are ripe and integrated."

2005 Murphy Vineyards Sierra Foothills California (750ml-4pk)

$87.00

Wine- Maker Notes

Like the 2004, this Syrah starts with a smoky nose of grilled fruits and ends with flavors of black cherries and allspice. Made in the lighter style with brisk acidity and mouth-watering tannins, this Syrah pairs beautifully with pork dishes. The floral aromas of this wine are similar to the 2004 Syrah. Medium bodied with full flavors, but not overpowering making a long smooth finish.

2005 Murphy Vineyards Sierra Foothills California (750ml)

$19.00

Wine- Maker Notes

Like the 2004, this Syrah starts with a smoky nose of grilled fruits and ends with flavors of black cherries and allspice. Made in the lighter style with brisk acidity and mouth-watering tannins, this Syrah pairs beautifully with pork dishes. The floral aromas of this wine are similar to the 2004 Syrah. Medium bodied with full flavors, but not overpowering making a long smooth finish.

2005 Pax, Alder Springs California (750ml)

$78.00

Robert Parker 92

The 2005 Syrah Alder Springs Vineyard The Terraces is co-fermented with 3% Viognier, aged in 100% new oak, and while not the biggest and boldest wine in the Pax portfolio, it is exuberant, with notes of blueberry liqueur intermixed with licorice, a perfumed floral character, medium to full body, and wonderful opulence in an enthralling/endearing character that says, Drink me now.

2005 Pax, Walker-Vine Hill California (750ml)

$72.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 93

"Opaque purple. Sexy blackberry, mulberry and candied licorice aromas, with a gentle graphite accent. Silky in texture, displaying a full array of sweet dark berry flavors and outstanding depth and focus. Very fine tannins add support to this extroverted bundle of fresh fruit, with tangier red berry notes coming on with air. The fruit carries impressively through the bright, seamless finish. This is the highest in alcohol of this year's releases at 14.8%." Josh Raynolds

Robert Parker 94

Another Russian River vineyard, the 2005 Syrah Walker Vine Hill, which creeps up toward 15% alcohol, is 100% Syrah, with beautiful blackberry, white chocolate, and blueberry notes intermixed with some graphite and lavender. The wine is full-bodied, almost inky in the mouth, with sensational richness, voluptuous texture, and a stunningly long finish. This is a brilliant Syrah to drink over the next decade or more.

2005 Red Lava, Red Hills Estate California (750ml)

$21.00

Wine- Maker Notes

Red Lava Vineyards, owned by Bud and Kristi Lawson, is located at 1600ft elevation and is planted with an 8 acre Syrah vineyard on a 16% slope in the Red Hills Lake County appellation. It is densely planted with a syrah clone from the Rhone Valley of Southern France. Vine yield is limited to encourage production of dark, concentrated berries. The canopy is hand-groomed to allow the fruit to mature and ripen evenly. The Red Hills vineyard produces a Syrah that is highly extracted with concentrated color, depth and complexity. The color is crimson-black with aromas of creme de cassis, blackberry, blackraspberry, mocha and minerals. On the palate, the wine is well balanced with flavors of mixed berry fruit, black pepper, rich tannins and a long supple finish.

2005 Red Lava, Red Hills Estate California (750ml-4pk)

$105.00

Wine- Maker Notes

Red Lava Vineyards, owned by Bud and Kristi Lawson, is located at 1600ft elevation and is planted with an 8 acre Syrah vineyard on a 16% slope in the Red Hills Lake County appellation. It is densely planted with a syrah clone from the Rhone Valley of Southern France. Vine yield is limited to encourage production of dark, concentrated berries. The canopy is hand-groomed to allow the fruit to mature and ripen evenly. The Red Hills vineyard produces a Syrah that is highly extracted with concentrated color, depth and complexity. The color is crimson-black with aromas of creme de cassis, blackberry, blackraspberry, mocha and minerals. On the palate, the wine is well balanced with flavors of mixed berry fruit, black pepper, rich tannins and a long supple finish.

2005 Robert Foley California (750ml)

$78.00

Wine Spectator 91

"Sturdy and solid, with wild berry, cherry, spice and floral notes that explode into more layers of tobacco, cedar, licorice and black tea flavors midpalate. Dense tannins give this good structure."

Robert Parker 93

"The enormously-endowed, inky/purple-colored 2005 Petite Sirah reveals notes of incense, spring flowers, blueberries, blackberries, and a subtle touch of pepper. This massive red is surprisingly civilized and silky-textured. Although accessible, it should easily last for 15-20 years."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 92

"Deep ruby. Utterly primary aromas of crushed blackberry and kirsch Then almost surprisingly sweet and broad, with a nutty element complicating its powerful dark fruit and floral flavors. A huge, thick wine that finishes with big but thoroughly ripe tannins and terrific lingering sweetness."

2005 Turley, Rattlesnake Acres California (750ml)

$78.00

Robert Parker 91-93

"Although pinched with screeching tannins, the backward, unevolved 2005 Petite Syrah Rattlesnake Ridge will repay those who have the foresight to lay it away for 10-15 years. It is loaded with potential, but is nearly impenetrable at present."

2006 Cadaretta, Columbia Valley Washington (750ml)

$35.00

Robert Parker 92

"The 2006 Syrah was sourced from three premier vineyards. Purple-colored, it offers aromas of spice box, cedar, smoke, and blueberry. The wine has a velvety texture, fine depth, and is already showing some complexity. The Middleton family owns this Walla Walla start-up with plans to plant an estate vineyard in 2008. Their winemaker is Virginie Bourgue, a youthful French ex-pat. Inadvertently playing straight man, I asked her if she missed French cuisine (it?s tough to find in Walla Walla). She said, "No, I cook."

Wine Enthusiast 90

"Cadaretta, with serious money and an established winemaker (Virginie Bourgue) at the helm, is going to be a player in Walla Walla. The first release is this excellent Syrah, sourced from Pepper Bridge, Stonetree and Alder Ridge. The immediate impression is that the nose has got a lot of floral attributes, followed with hints of spice. The fruit is dark and the tannins show some green edges. The wine has good grip, and some tarry notes in the finish. In the glass more of the toasted new oak flavors emerge, a very pretty framework for a rather substantial wine."

2006 Pax Cellars Syrah Alder Springs The Terraces California (750ml)

$88.00

Robert Parker 92-94

The 2006 Syrah Alder Springs Vineyard The Terraces (3% Viognier) is absolutely sensational. Its creamy, full-bodied texture offers up notes of blueberry and black raspberry liqueur intermixed with licorice, roasted meat, and an exotic peach/apricot scent. The wine is dense, full-bodied, fabulously fruit-driven, with great texture and intensity. This is one sexy hussy of a wine to drink over the next 7-8 years.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 93

Opaque purple. Smoky cassis and blueberry aromas are complicated by cracked pepper, violet and dusty minerals. Juicy and sweet, with dense dark fruit preserve flavors given verve by tangy acidity. A cool, understated wine with admirable clarity and focus on the long, sappy finish, which features a strong note of peppery spice.

2006 Pax, Obsidian California (750ml)

$92.00

Robert Parker 96

The phenomenal 2006 Syrah Obsidian, from a Knight�s Valley vineyard planted in black marble-like soils, reveals copious aromas of bacon fat, meat juices, blackberry liqueur, smoked herbs, and burning embers. Full-bodied with superb texture and length as well as an amazing 50-second finish, this beauty just goes from strength to strength, admirably displaying the incredible potential of this unusual obsidian soil terroir. Consume it over the next decade.

2006 Pax, Walker-Vine Hill California (750ml)

$72.00

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 94

Opaque purple. Sexy, highly aromatic nose offers an array of dark berry and floral qualities, along with incense, Asian spices and dried violet. Rich and creamy, with vibrant blackberry and cassis flavors, velvety texture and bright minerality. Manages to be both rich and energetic, with outstanding finishing lift and persistence. This was fermented with 75% whole clusters.

Robert Parker 93

The brilliant 2006 Syrah Walker Vine Hill Vineyard reveals sweet notes of white chocolate, creme de cassis, spring flowers, and hints of pepper as well as damp earth. Full-bodied with superb fruit purity, a multilayered texture, and a stunning finish, it should drink well for 6-7 years.