Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 96 points

No wimpy wine, the 2006 Bone Rock James Berry Vineyard (76% Syrah, 18% Mourvedre, and 6% Grenache) has over 16% alcohol. It possesses phenomenal texture, stunning purity, and remarkable freshness, which, again, is attributable to the limestone soils as well as the proprietor?s brilliant hands-off winemaking philosophy. A complex perfume of roasted meats, black fruits, spring flowers, charcoal, and spice is followed by a wine of enormous richness (yet it is neither overweight nor heavy). Beautiful freshness permeates the wine?s black fruit flavors and full-bodied power and length. The finish lasts for nearly a minute. This 2006 should evolve for 12-15+ years.

Review date: August 2009

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: 95 points

(76% syrah, 18% mourvedre and 6% grenache) Inky ruby. Exotically perfumed bouquet of red berries, fruitcake, Asian spices and white flowers. Impressively fresh, with vibrant raspberry, blackcurrant and floral pastille flavors. Zesty minerality adds urgency to the deep, almost sweet fruit, with fine-grained tannins adding grip. The endless finish strongly echoes the spice and minerality of this suave knock-out.

Review date: November 2008