Also evolving gracefully and drinking at point, the 2001 James Berry Vineyard Bone Rock (92% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre and 3% Grenache which spent 22 months in French and Hungarian oak) offers up serious purity and richness, with a silky, seamless profile on the palate. Creme de cassis, blackberry, licorice, roasted meats and hints of vanilla and graphite all show here, and this full-bodied Syrah is still balanced, with excellent mid-palate richness and terrific length. Taking an hour to perform at its best, and holding up beautifully over the evening, it’s in no danger of falling apart, and I’ve no doubt it will have a gradual evolution over the coming decade or so. - Jeb Dunnuck

An impressive display of rich zesty wild berry raspberry jam and blackberry flavors framed by firm acidity and integrated tannins and finishing with a long concentrated aftertaste that keeps revealing new flavor facets. Ample tannins for short-term cellaring. Drink now through 2012. 325 cases made. (JL)

Among the biggest boldest most unabashedly ripe wines of the current crop of Syrah Saxum's imposing wine can be criticized for excess but wins applause for richness. Very full-bodied and downright chewy in texture it comes with lots of heat and tannic toughness yet never loses sight of berries spice and chocolate...