772 | Wine | Shiraz / Syrah, 91 to 95, 2010

"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."

"This red exhibits pure, rich, ripe and concentrated layers of blackberry, boysenberry and black licorice, with tannins that give the flavors depth and traction."

"This has nice character, with chestnut and bay leaf aromas followed by gutsy flavors of blackberry and plum paste. A tarry edge takes over on the finish, but this stays fresh and driven."

"Lato-s 2010 Syrah Cinematique Larner Vineyard boasts striking depth and purity. This weightless, totally gracious Syrah impresses for its nuance, delineation and sheer class. Violets, black pepper, exotic spices and a hint of orange rind linger on the finish."

"A rich mouthful of compelling blackberry, black coffee, black cherry and black pepper flavors (see a trend here?) balances on a supple, velvety background and persists into a long and expressive finish. Just delish."

"The other 2010 that readers need to keep a sharp eye out for is the 2010 St.-Joseph. One of the sleeper cuvees of the entire cellar, ground pepper intermixed with tapenade, creme de cassis, and smoky barbecue notes are followed by a wine with great fruit, good acidity, and striking minerality. It should drink well for a decade or more." -Robert Parker

"Vivid purple. Pungent, spice- and floral-accented aromas of black and blue fruits and licorice, with a peppery topnote. Sappy, incisive and pure, offering intense black raspberry and boysenberry flavors that put on weight in the glass. Shows excellent clarity and power on the finish, which features silky tannins and zesty minerality."