While very ripe, loaded with sweet oak and close to plush on the palate, this weighty wine displays fairly deep fruit and hints of polish that separate it from the excessive and overripe crowd. It is underlain with a full measure of tannin, yet, those tannins are fine-grained and never assaultive, and, while we would not rush to drink it up soon, we see real refinement ahead some three to five years down the line.

This Reserve Syrah, crafted in a Cote Rotie style, boasts generous Syrah aromatics of white pepper, cocoa and blueberry, with hints of Viognier's subtly sweet orange peel, pear and rose petal. Spice and earthy overtones, hallmarks of the Horse Heaven Hills terroir, are followed by mouth-filling flavors of dark chocolate, cocoa, and roasted coffee bean and a seductive blueberry-raspberry finish.

Good ruby-red. Aromas of dark raspberry, redcurrant and nutty oak. Fruit-driven wine with modest varietal character but attractive sweetness to its red berry flavors. Ripe acids and smooth but firm tannins give this wine good structure and shape.

Community Tasting Notes (average 89.4 pts. and median of 89 pts. in 17 notes)

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 02/28/07

Rating: 91/100 - As reviewed by Wine Enthusiast

Rating: 91/100 - As reviewed by The Wine News