1 | Wine | Napa Valley | Page 65

"It was difficult to chose a favorite although the 2009 Petite Syrah Rattlesnake Ridge, Hayne Vineyard and Library Vineyard are the three greatest in terms of concentration, depth and potential complexity. As I have said so many times, Petite Sirah is by far the most underrated varietal in California, so it is reassuring to see how many producers continue to make remarkable wines with around 13-14% alcohol as well as 20-40+ years of aging potential." 94-96 pts, reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Its dense purple color is followed by notes of wet stones, smoked herbs, black currants, and ink. Deep, rich, backward, and ageworthy, it should be forgotten for a few years, and drunk over the following three decades." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"A supple, complex and harmonious reserve, sporting a broad range of currant, anise, coffee, cedar and spice flavors, picking up light toasty oak notes and finishing with a smooth texture. Delicious now, but worthy of cellaring, too."

"An elegant wine, with ripe, supple, generous plum, mint, herb and currant flavors that are framed by toasty oak and dry, rounded tannins. Offers plenty of depth and richness to the flavors."