Another Cote Rotie look alike, the 2012 Syrah Foothills Reserve comes all from the Foothills in the Sun vineyard (which is planted around the estate) and is an incredible Syrah that is up with the top efforts from this great vintage. Pure, full-bodied, utterly seamless and with sweet tannin, it offers a kaleidoscope of black raspberry, olive, mint, game and peppery herbs aromas and flavors. Youthful, fresh and lively, it already offers tons of pleasure, but should evolve gracefully for 15 years or more. - JD

A wine glass can hardly contain this lightly colored wine's generous aromas of black olive, sea salt, crushed flowers, orange peel, black pepper, mineral and smoked meat. The smoke and savory flavors display a fascinating mixture of lightness and intensity, leading to a floral finish that seems near endless. SEAN P. SULLIVAN