2006 Spot-On Bells Echo Vineyard 91 points

Syrah, Mendocino, $22

Powerful, lush and peppery, but still elegant and very approachable. The palate opens with blueberry liqueur, black cherry, earth and soy sauce. The mid-palate brings black pepper and cedar with a bone dry, long finish, drink now thru 2012. This Syrah is another reason why I love this noble grape.