The 2009 Syrah Vintner’s Reserve bursts from the glass with dark cherries, licorice, game and spices. This plump, juicy red has plenty of varietal character and an engaging personality suited to drinking over the next 1-2 years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2014. I must say I was deeply impressed with the wines I tasted from Kendall-Jackson. Qualitatively the wine are head and shoulders above the vast majority of what is available in the same price points, but what amazes me most is Kendall-Jackson’s ability to achieve such a high average level of quality with production levels that are truly eye-popping. In 2010, which was not an abundant year, Kendall-Jackson produced nearly 2,000,000 cases of the flagship Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay. This is a brilliant showing from winemaker Randy Ullom and his team comprised of Matthew Smith (reds) and Mark Theis (whites).Tel. (800) 769-3649; www.kj.com

A good value in a wine this rich and complex. It’s very full-bodied and dry, with immensely deep blackberry, currant, black pepper, roasted meat, smoke and spice flavors that linger long on the finish. Great with roasts and beef stews over the next three years. ——S.H.(11/1/2011)—— 90