STEPHEN TANZER'S INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR, Sept/Oct 2006

89 points.
Bright ruby. Complex, varietally typical aromas of black cherry, licorice, pepper and smoked meats. Dense and smooth but also juicy and bright, with complex flavors of black raspberry, black pepper, chocolate and charred oak, plus an intriguing saline character. No rough edges or heaviness here. Finishes with hints of smoked meat and minerals. Very good syrah in a Northern Rhone style.

California GRAPEVINE, December – January 2007

Medium-dark ruby color; attractive, spicy, boysenberry and blueberry fruit aroma; medium-full to full body; plush, supple, rounded, ripe blackberry fruit flavors; medium-full to full tannin; lingering aftertaste.  Relatively easy to drink now.  Highly recommended.

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE MAGAZINE, Sunday, December 3, 2006 
Top 100 Wines of 2006

Made from vineyard fruit just 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean in the Templeton Gap area, this wine is more polished than powerful.  It offers a floral note of violets, vivid black fruit and moderate toasty oak.  It’s classy and complete.