2007 Lagier Meredith Syrah (USA, California, Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder)

This one lines up like a thoroughbred right in the gate. Pretty intense nose of infused black fruits with black cherry and cassis controlling the ride. Palate shows deftness with pure black fruits still in command. There is the already mentioned black cherry and cassis with blackberries, notes of framboise and warm blueberry pie. A very command-full wine with precision and elegance. (I opened and let breath about an hour and this sure benefited from it). Balance near perfect with complicated tannins overseeing all else. Midway I get some hints of lavender and soy. An interesting wine and unlike anything else I have encountered. Something about this one that I can't quite put my finger on it, but this rides a few different styles seamlessly and deftly; somewhere between Napa Cabernet and Napa Syrah---Pretty amazing. Finish remains true to itself and all in all a very nice package, and a thoroughbred nonetheless. 93 pts

2004 Scholium Project Scythia Donati Vineyards (USA, California, Central Coast, San Benito County)

Pretty nose of spring flowers, blueberry and sarsaparilla. Great plush felled mouth-feel with amazing blue and black fruits creating a wall of solid goodness. More concise and complete than I remember it. Age likes this one. There is the usual underlying verve on this today. It becomes hard to picture in my mind what more I could expect on this here and now; tannins are fully resolved and balance it lithe. Finesse and elegance wrapped together. Finish remains true on this, and long. Having had this no less than 15 times in the past, I can say this remains one of the best Syrahs I have encountered in its price range. Rarity of the 'only one vintage made' could first have appeared like a negative , but I now see the interest in tracking a single vintage/single expression of this one that has made my lemonade from lemons. For the most part it remains consistent with about o dozen of my previous notes.  95 pts

2010 Quivet Cellars Syrah Las Madres Vineyard (USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros)

Pretty amber color with purple tinged edges. Wonderful blue fruits on the nose, fresh squeezed and bright blueberries being prominent; very pretty indeed. Palate has a creamy light weight feel that feels so good without dinner, but the inch thick ribs eyes should be just about right later in the afternoon. Complicated but approachable style of Cali Syrah I really find myself gravitating toward in my advanced drinking years (30+). There perfectly fragrant crushed blueberry, blackberry and boysenberry with a hint of flint, flowers and white pepper. Nicely balanced with a tamed tannins and nothing amiss. A magnetic Syrah with loads of elegance and joy. Finish remains true but I really need to mention that creaminess again, just for the record. You would be hard pressed to find a better cool climate Syrah at this pricepoint. I do prefer this style to the Myriad. Time top reload. 94 pts

2000 Andrew Murray Syrah Roasted Slope (USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley)

Some age showing in the color. Nose of sweet cola, blackberries and kirsch. Palate shows same and then some; nice warmish blueberry tart w ith a hint of cinnamon, river stones, some flintiness and tar with a ever so small hint of steamed meat. This really performs well above expectations. It has a fully resolved tannic structure with some really lilty acidity. Long and pure, if I had to find a flaw, there may be a hint of heat, may be. Fifteen dollars never went down so....easy. BIG difference from my last bottle purchased at the same moment....BIG. 90 pts

2006 Dain Wines Syrah The Smart Set White Hawk Vineyard (USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County)

pop & pour.

Great nose of blueberry, black raspberries and river stones. Palate has all that and a bag of chips. Not really. All that and more: Soy, red cassis and cedar with some cooled bacon fat. This is lively and playful with a perfectly 'slightly' elevated acidity level with nearly resolved tannins that are aligned and polished. A very elegant and pure Syrah, this is such an enjoyable food friendly wine.
In my humble estimation, If ever there was a non deserving victim of the 'non-appreciation' of American Syrahs, I will always point to David Dain and this bottling in particular as my number one example. I wish he still made this. 93 pts

1994 Alban Vineyards Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard (USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley)

Dark with transparent edges of crimson. The nose is blueberries, bacon fat and red raspberries.The palate shows some initial intensity which works into a graceful and elegant wine which shows some of my favorite Northern Rhone qualities; nice deep blackish fruits with some damp forest floor complete with pine needles and acorns. The blueberries and raspberries are on the tongue too, just a wee bit darker than the nose. A very interesting wine that really could pass for a wine half it's age save for some late palate softness; but let's face it, it's 17 years young and showing wonderfully. It really has the pure nose that keeps you sniffing (sniffy-sniff). There seem to be some secondaries popping in after about 15 minutes, maybe some cedar, some leather, some violets and some cardamom. Balance is deft. Tannins are fully resolved and finely weaved and acidity is near perfect. This wine will please everyone across the board: new world types as well as those old world people. This Reva should drink well for a bunch more years, but its so good now, I might have a difficult time keeping my hands off my other 3 this bbq season, but I will try. 94 pts

2009 Quivet Cellars Syrah Las Madres Vineyard (USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros)

30 minute decant, then through a Vinturi. Although a baby (Just received yesterday from the winery), this shows tons of potential. Nose of sassafras and blackberry. A beautiful and intoxicating purity with notes of soy and leather. There is a hint of spring flowers as well. The palate has some warm blueberry pie with blackberrry, hint of soy, hint of bacon fat, some mild white pepper and more. A light to medium body weight with fantastically woven tannins and a perfect high wire act of acidity. Long finish really completes it nicely. Released with 12 months bottle age I am surprised this need so much coaxing. It only proves how wonderful this will be in about 2 years. If mine last. Another great Mike Smith wine. 93 points.

2007 Novy Family Wines Syrah Page Nord (USA, California, Napa Valley)

Dark it is. Real dark. The nose has predominant black-cherry and Kirsch Royal. There is some red currant and blackberries in there too. There is a very pretty spring flower note in there. The palate has all of those fruits I just mentioned with an explosion in your mouth. Black cherries and blueberry compote. Shows slightly hot, but time should bring that in line. A very lush and full mouthfeel with gobby red and black fruits. There is an interesting linseed oil quality I really like. This is a full throttle and in your face Syrah, not for the faint of heart. The finish is long and luxurious with memories of black cherries. I might hold my next bottles for BBQ season. 90 pts.

(or I might give them away, and I did).

2003 Hug Cellars Syrah Bassetti Vineyard (USA, California, Central Coast, San Luis Obispo County)

Very pretty nose of black currants, violets and black cherries with hints of cola. The palate shows a purity and intensity. Initially there is a wee bit of sweetness that distracts, but as it sits in the glass, and as it comes up from cellar temp, it opens up to bright red and black fruits, some white pepper, some soy sauce, some violets. This is very Cabernet Sauvignon like in its approach. I would say almost fully resolved and totally in business. If I had to find a fault, it would be a slightly elevated acidity. It is fruit pack and light bodied, but enjoyable nonetheless. This is a food wine. 91 pts

2003 Andrew Murray Syrah Roasted Slope (USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley)

The more I drink Andrew Murray Syrahs, the more I find ho much I enjoy the them more and more. This was floral and pretty with a black & blue fruit profile. It has a nice creaminess within the light/mid-weight mouth feel. some pomegranate pomace, white pepper, bacon fat and wild flowers. A very enjoyable wine that has a fantastic QPR. 92 pts

2006 Drew Family Cellars Syrah Broken Leg Vineyard (USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley)

This wines is just a fantastic rendition of a Cali Syah that I am still learning I seem to really enjoy. It has a vibrancy and level of fruits that catch your attention early and hold it long, but in a seemingly delicate and profound way. Blue fruited with some underlying blacks, this glides across the palate with an almost lush and velvety texture that I associate with some Cali Cults more than Cali Syrahs. Elegance and purity rules the roost. Some worn leather, hints of soy sauce, river rocks and white pepper. A long finish tops it all off.Its pretty and joyful. The hit Syrah (3 total) on the table with wine-os and non wine-os alike. 94 pts

2005 Big Basin Vineyards Syrah Mandala (USA, California)

Big and bold. No doubt you're in Cali. Smoked meat, river stones, white pepper, blueberry pie, black cherry, leather and black cherry liquer. As it had the opportunity (3 hrs) to sit on the table it fleshed out into a finely delineated pure Syrah. I can be a fan of such a bold style, just not sure I want it all the time. It is a great wine nonetheless. 91 pts

2001 Brokenwood Shiraz Rayner Vineyard (Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale)

Black with barely any age showing. The nose is a respectful menthol with some black cherry, smoke and Asian spice. There is also some real nice cola notes here which I think is a product of age with this. In a way it reminds me of a 'not perfect vintage Grange'. I get no negative stuff in here. The palate has all that plus some red currant, red plums and cedar with high notes of cola. This last quality really makes this a memorable wine tonight. (Pizza night at Chateau Pobega) The balance is fantastic, all while fully resolved. A mid-weight wine with some plushy goodness that hints of leather, blueberry pie and sassafras. A long finish and Bob's your uncle. This bottle personifies & embodies the old adage "No good wines, just good bottles" as it is fantastic in it's showing this evening. I had 'not so high hopes' for this bottle, so I apologize: You sir, are awesome. I like aged Shiraz! there, I said it! 93 pts

2004 Scholium Project Scythia Donati Vineyards (USA, California, Central Coast, San Benito County)

What can I say that has not been said before and probably by me in any of my other half dozen notes here? After I pulled a corked bottle from my cellar 2 months back when at dinner with Abe, I was anxious to open one again. It’s still pure and still firmly focused and awesome. There is not a rough edge to be found and I think this may be in its sweet spot right now. Black and blue fruits run the show with some low notes of warm bacon fat, river stones and blueberry compote. This actually gets a bit plushy in the middle and to the finish which long and elegant. This really still has it all. Fabulous.13 more stored away and happy for it. 96 pts

2006 Arnot-Roberts Syrah "North Block" Hudson Vineyard (USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros)

This wine is all about fragrance and the 'berry'. On sight its dark and ominous. The nose has all fresh cut flowers, small black berries, blueberry compote. Palate shows an amazing breed and structure--Hudson in the house. Its purity and precision is uncanny. Its tannins complicated but behaving. Balance is deft. A long berry filled finish brings this into the barn nicely. If I to find complaint, it's that this closed about an hour after opened. It went from big and showy to refined and quiet. Initially it was all nose. I think this still needs some time in bottle to show its fullest. Just a hair behind the 2005 overall. I do love this wine. 92 pts

2004 Andrew Murray Syrah Roasted Slope (USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley)

Dark with tinged edges. The nose has warm blueberry pie, blackberries, spring flowers and cooled bacon fat. The palate shows a wonderful expression of California Syrah. There is great vibrancy of fruits with blueberry in the forefront. Included are black berries, black cassis liquor, sun warmed river stones, bacon fat, exotic spices and a hint of damp forest floor. Some vanilla shrouds this nicely and the tannins are well behaved. Balance it fantastic with acidity lying amongst the fruit as if it were kin. Mouth-feel keeping in the mid area with a touch of creaminess. I was surprised how well this showed tonight with some challenging foods of spicy fish sauces & vinegared salads. 92 pts

2003 Beckmen Vineyards Syrah Purisima Mountain Vineyard (USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley)

The nose is ALL steamed meats with some black berry and cardamom. The palate has a nice purity with fantastic balance and structure. There is blueberries, blackberries, black cherry, smokey bacon, sun warmed river stones and more. A very nice and precise, albeit maybe a wee simple Syrah from Purisma mountain, never ever to be confused with a French wine. Tannins are resolves and acidity rides slightly high. This would be great with some grub. A longish finish with much vibrancy. Pretty nice for the price at auction ($15) and glad I have more. I will hold the rest of this for dinner, and btw, it needs at least a 30 minute decant. 90 pts

2004 Scholium Project Scythia Donati Vineyards

11:47 AM-Just poured it into my glass. It's still cool, but early indications are to WOW. Stay tuned!

12:05 PM-I don't know much, but what I do know is this is one incredible mother of a Syrah. Its almost alive with fresh creamy fruits, river rock, super balance, and just so much more.
Probably one of the best Cali Syrahs I have ever had in my life.
Note to follow....

1:49 PM-A pleaser as usual. This is dense and dark. The nose is all violets, blueberry cobbler, sun warmed river stones, sassafras, blackberry, pomegranate and more. Poised and almost perfect the delivery is lively and focused, but playful enough for burgers. Acidity somewhat elevated to really carry all forward conveyor belt like all the mentioned goodness. The tannins are structured and evolved, this really has it all. The finish is ultra smooth and pure, and it goes on and on for minutes. Wowser. (96 pts.)

2:31-Gone!

2006 Holdredge Syrah - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

Great vibrant see-through color. The nose is a bit closed at first. After about an hour this really sings: There is warm bluberry pie, blood orange, wild flowers & black cherry. This really showed well/better with food. (Wild Boar sausages, wild mushroom couscous, black berry reduction). Fragrant and pretty beautiful, this belied its price-point by 2x. Palate has all the goodness and then some: Blueberry, white pepper, some bacon fat, soy and river stones. Great medium to light weight mouthfeel, it almost reminded me of Pinot early on, but by hour 1, there was no mistake. Great long finish. What really sellls this wine is the fragrance of the blood orange, blueberry & wild flowers. Very Northern Rhone-like indeed. What a great QPR. (91 pts.)

2007 K Vintners Syrah Milbrandt Vineyard

USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope (2/15/2010)
Lets jump right into it: The nose: pure and bright nose with tons of bounce and shine. Red cherry, blackberry, black currant, some warm blueberry, pomegranate, earth, sun, and skill is what I get. The palate has a very intense and pure attack of same, but magnified. All precise. All pure. All in tune with what Syrah should be within these shores. There is a very intense acid level that tells you its awake and ready for business. The tannins, although slightly chewy are aligned and refined. I get some river rock, and some earthiness, with some pine, menthol, lead pencil shavings and spring flowers.The finish is in tune with what came before. This is the single best Milbrandt I have had in 3/4 vintages. Period. QPR contender for sure. (92 pts.)