Bright ruby. Knockout nose combines dark berries, white pepper, smoked meat, violet and flinty minerality; a real essence of syrah. Then sweet, round and seamless in the mouth, with superb concentration and a lovely light touch for such a rich wine. Black raspberry and licorice flavors are complicated by chocolate and meat nuances. Impressive Napa Valley syrah with a very long, subtle finish.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Interesting French-like Syrahs are also made from the estate's steep hillside vineyards. The 2008 IX Syrah Estate is performing even better than it did last year from barrel. Juicy bacon fat, roasted meat, grilled herb and smoky notes are classic northern Rhone Syrah characteristics. A floral component suggests some Viognier could be co-fermented, but this is 100% Syrah. The wood is well-concealed in this full-bodied, delicious wine. It is capable of a decade or more of cellaring.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Impressive for its elegance and finesse, this is taut and minerally, with dried berry, plum and blackberry, roasted game meat, white pepper, sage and cedary notes that are sleek, focused and long on the finish.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio