2004 & 2006 Syrah Tasting Lot — D'Alessandro "Il Bosco" Cortona, Colombier "Cuvée Gaby" & Colombier Crozes-Hermitage & Neyers "Old Lakeville Road" Sonoma Coast

“Complex yet refined aromas of blackberry, mineral and flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. Peppery and fruity. Delicious. Best after 2009.” (10/2007)

“The 2004 Cortona Syrah Il Bosco offers wonderful aromas of spices and sweet toasted oak that give way to layers of small red fruit, earthiness and mint flavors. It shows outstanding depth in a linear, pure style with a vibrant, generous personality, plenty of concentration and fine tannins to round out the finish. It is a terrific effort from D’Alessandro.” (06/2007)

“Deep ruby. Quite a bit of development (and ripeness) on the nose. Smells more of Toledo than Tain (l'Hermitage). But lovely balance and vivacity. The same sort of weight and balance as a fairly classical Pomerol but with Syrah tobacco leaves dryness on the finish. Nice wine! Excellent balance. 17.5/20 points.” (06/2009)

“Ripe and grapey, with rich, elegant spice, pepper and juicy, dusty wild berry flavors that are sleek and focused, ending with a long, persistent finish. *#62 Top Wines of 2008* (JL)” (03/2008)

“A very different look at Syrah is provided by this ripe and zesty youngster. Its aromas of bright, concentrated blackberries seem to leap from the glass, and they are followed on the palate by a wine that is at once both full in body and loaded with energy. A peppery, spicy edge emerges in the latter palate and adds in an extra note of varietal focus to the wine, but, in truth, this one is young and much in want of some cellar time to pick up a touch of valuable sophistication. *Two Stars*” (11/2008)

“The 2006 Syrah Old Lakeville is deep ruby/purple, offering hints of charcoal, blackberry, raspberry, and cherry notes. It has impressive ripeness and density, richness, and more tannin and structure than the Hudson Vineyard. (RP) 90+” (12/2007)