94+ The 2016 Syrah Rodger's Creek Vineyard incorporates 8% Viognier and was matured for two years in barrel. Medium ruby-purple in color, it has generous aromas of red and black cherries and blueberries with accents of milk chocolate, allspice and garrigue. The palate is full-bodied, fresh and chalky with a concentrated core of ripe fruit and a long, spicy finish. 440 cases were made.

The 2016 Syrah Rodgers Creek Vineyard is peaking today. Spice, worn-in leather, tobacco, incense, chocolate, cracked black pepper and dried herbs all show the added layers of nuance of a wine that has been in bottle for a few years. Readers who enjoy cool-climate Syrah with bottle age will find much to admire. The 2016 is a serious wine for the dinner table. I would give it a good bit of air. -- Antonio Galloni

This iconoclastic wine will excite fans of cool-climate Syrah. Earthy, peaty aromas and meaty, smoky flavors give a dramatic edge to this medium-bodied and moderately tannic wine. Fruits are quite subdued as black pepper and grilled herb flavors dominate. — Jim Gordon