New winemaker Vadim Chelekhov is practically giddy while describing the lengths he went through to bring this 300-case wine to bottle: 94% Syrah is co-fermented with 6% Viognier – all free run juice - sourced from all 3 Syrah blocks, it then rested 12 months in 100% new French oak, then 4 months more in 7-8 year old barrels to add more complexity and soften the harsh edges of the wine – and it all worked: great floral and spice notes mingle with dark cherry fruit, hints of raspberry and a touch of vanilla – this is a total yum wine. Price: $49.95 – Rating: ****+