3 | Wine | Shiraz / Syrah, 91 to 95

"Deeply pitched aromas of cherry compote, potpourri and Asian spices, with an exotic note of singed orange. Concentrated but surprisingly lively, with densely packed dark berry flavors and a hint of bitter chocolate. The floral note comes back strongly on the impressively long, smoky finish."

"A brooding bouquet of underbrush, mineral, spice box, blueberry, and blackberry. Packed and impeccably balanced, this savory, layered effort is surprisingly forward for its size."

"Smoke, game, black tea, incense, blueberry, and blackberry aromas compose the bouquet of this relatively forward, plush, pleasure-bent Syrah. It can be approached now and will continue to provide enjoyment through 2020."

"The fabulous 2011 Cornas Granite 30 is one of the great wines of the vintage. Elegant, with a black/blue color, sweet tannin and loads of spring flowers, crushed rocks, smoked game and blackberry fruit, this textured, loaded, supple, accessible 2011 should drink nicely for 15 or more years." -Robert Parker

"Good dark red. Aromas of blueberry, crushed black raspberry, brown spices, smoked meat, mocha and cocoa; smells like a northern Rhone wine from granite soil. Firm and energetic in the mouth, offering a nice balance of fresh dark fruits and smoky minerality. Bright acidity and a note of black pepper give the palate a zesty quality. Finishes lightly saline, juicy and persistent, with spicy tannins." -Stephen Tanzer

"A deep garnet-purple color and a perfumed nose of violets, red berry preserves, blueberry pie, kirsch, licorice and a touch of smoky bacon. Very full, rich and voluptuous in the mouth, it has a medium level of velvety tannins and crisp acid to balance the flesh, finishing long with some spice layers coming through."

"Inky ruby. Powerful spice-accented aromas of dark fruit preserves, cola and candied violet, with a subtle vanilla nuance in the background. Potent, palate-coating blackberry and mulberry flavors are enlivened by juicy acidity and pick up an exotic peach pit nuance with air. Finishes smooth and sweet, with lingering licorice and floral notes."

"Compelling nose offers black cherry, black raspberry, bacon fat, smoked meat and white pepper. Thick but lively on entry, then superconcentrated in the middle, with a fascinating sweetness and perfume to the black fruit and pepper flavors. Finishes very long and brisk, with a suggestion of candied fruit, serious but ripe tannins, and lovely smoky persistence. A beauty." Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer.

"Vivid ruby. Textbook syrah aromas of cherry, dark berries, smoked meat and violet, with a mineral note adding vibrancy. Juicy and well-defined on the palate, offering fresh blackberry and bitter cherry flavors that expand on the back end. Finishes sweet and very long, with resonating floral and spice notes and impressive energy."

"The 2006 Shiraz Command is a glass-coating opaque purple. Aromas of scorched earth, pencil lead, sandalwood, meat blood, game, and blueberry are followed by a dense, voluptuous, layered Shiraz with tons of flavor."