2001 Saxum James Berry Vineyard Bone Rock

Also evolving gracefully and drinking at point, the 2001 James Berry Vineyard Bone Rock (92% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre and 3% Grenache which spent 22 months in French and Hungarian oak) offers up serious purity and richness, with a silky, seamless profile on the palate. Creme de cassis, blackberry, licorice, roasted meats and hints of vanilla and graphite all show here, and this full-bodied Syrah is still balanced, with excellent mid-palate richness and terrific length. Taking an hour to perform at its best, and holding up beautifully over the evening, it’s in no danger of falling apart, and I’ve no doubt it will have a gradual evolution over the coming decade or so. Starting with the Bone Rock releases, these come from a west-facing, terraced section of James Berry Vineyard. It’s named after the incredible whale bones that were found while creating the terraces. Tel. (805) 610-0363; Fax (805) 238-2267; www.saxumvineyards.com