KOEPPEL ON WINE, 2005
This superb syrah from Austin Hope, winemaker for Treana and Liberty School, reeks of the grape's apotheosis in France's Rhône Valley.  It has the warmth, it has the spice, it has the incredibly ripe and macerated black and blue fruit – currants, plums, blackberries, blueberries – and it has the lavender and violets.  What else?  It's smoky, fleshy and meaty, clean and minerally and a bit funky in the earthiness quarter.  One of the best syrahs produced in California.

Santé MAGAZINE, November 2004
Full bodied with rich, complex berry fruit including raspberry, as well as black cherry and hints of mocha and game;  good structure and a long finish.  Impressive.  Pheasant, braised short ribs.

WINE SPECTATOR Online, 2004
87 points. "Fragrant and complex, with sweet spice, Provence herb and black cherry character. Tangy mineral tones fold into a supple texture, with lively acid and tannins that keep it all fresh in the toasty oak-tinged finish. Drink now through 2008."

WINE ENTHUSIAST MAGAZINE, December 2003
"Dark, thick, ripe and juicy, this is a big mouthful of Syrah that calls for roasts or similar fare.  It's very dry, with blackberry, plum and peppery flavors and a tasty overlay of oak.  Notable for the smooth ripeness of its rich, sweet tannins, and might even improve for a few years."
Rating: 91 pts.