2008 Bevan Syrah Richard's Cuvée De Crescenzo Vineyard

Bevan produces Syrah. The 2008 Syrah Richard’s Cuvee DeCrescenzo Vineyard is from the Bennett Valley, not Napa, but it is very Northern Rhone-like in its notes of smoky barbecue, roasted meats, bacon fat, and cassis as well as its layered, full-bodied mouthfeel. With plenty of tannin in the back, it seems to me this wine could benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring. It’s a gorgeous Syrah that should drink nicely for 10-15 years. Although last year I gave superb reviews to two of Bevan Cellars’ wines, this year’s extensive portfolio was one of the revelations of my tastings. A small artisanal operation in Santa Rosa run by Russell Bevan and his partner, Victoria Descrescenco, Bevan Cellars has assembled a stunning line-up of wines. I think the tasting notes say it all, but I can’t recommend this up-and-coming producer’s wines highly enough. Tel. (707) 235-3062; www.bevancellars.com