93 pts Wine Spectator Insider 4/4/09 Big and powerful, with coffee, black currant and loam notes backed by hints of sage and tobacco. Muscular, but without sacrificing balance, as mouthwatering acidity and bright minerality stretch out the well-stuctured finish. Should age nicely. Drink now through 2012.
91 pts Stephen Tanzer March/April 2009
Full red-ruby. Blueberry, coffee, blackberry and woodsmoke on the nose; very syrah! Densely packed and sappy, with a chewy intensity to the plum, spice and mineral flavors. The suave, horizontal finish really coats the palate, leaving this classy syrah with a very light touch. Finishes with smooth, broad tannins, solid spine and resounding, very bright flavors. Built to age, and yet this is easier to taste today than the 2004 was two years ago.
