($49; 13.5% alcohol) Inky ruby. Pure, expansive aromas of blackberry, violet and rose petal, with a hint of black olive. Juicy, penetrating dark berry flavors are strikingly spicy and gain sweetness with air. More open than the Horseshoe Vineyard now, showing excellent finishing clarity and power. (JR)

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

The 2008 Syrah Skyline Vineyard, which I tasted from barrel last year, has turned out well. This dark ruby-colored, tightly knit, delicately styled Syrah possesses pure black cherry and black currant fruit intermixed with hints of underbrush and tapenade, sweet tannin, and an impressive attack and mid-palate. The tannins will need to be watched, but everything appears to be in balance. The wine was made from 100% stems and aged in 25% new French oak.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio