RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY | CALIFORNIA | $36
Deep, ripe boysenberry, blackberry and black cherry flavors intertwine with oak, forest floor and hints of rosemary, tar, date and nutmeg. A lean Syrah, if a Syrah can be lean — very much Rhone-like. Feels silky smooth in the mouth, and finishes with moderate acidity. No heavyweight, this lean Kung-Fu fighter outfoxes most burly Syrahs. A very good wine. (Reviewed 1/21/12)