(raised in French oak, 80% of it new, for 44 months; 15.1% alcohol): Glass-staining purple. Sexy smoke- and spice-accented aromas of candied black and blue fruits and potpourri, with a suggestion of black pepper building with air. Lush and expansive on the palate, offering deeply pitched but lively cassis and blueberry flavors and a suave floral pastille nuance. The spicy note comes back strong on the finish, which shows only a hint of tannins.

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The 2008 Reva (Syrah) is stunningly beautiful. This is a relatively delicate, feminine Reva that impresses for its length, balance and utter purity of fruit. Dark red cherries, flowers, mint and silky, saline notes wrap around the expressive fruit on the long, polished finish. A hint of truffles adds to the wine's sensual, totally beguiling personality. In 2008, the Reva is drop-dead gorgeous. Readers should note that, in this vintage, there is no Lorraine or Seymour's, so the 2008 is a "super-Reva!" Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020.

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