I generally felt the Grand Reserve series to be one of the most successful groups of wines from Kendall-Jackson. All of the offerings reviewed in this segment tend to be above average in quality, but they did not possess the breadth of flavor and aromatic dimension I had anticipated. The 1995 Syrah Grand Reserve is well made, but it exhibits entirely too much new oak, although I did detect some smoky bacon fat once the aggressive oak aromas faded into the background. Some sexy black plum and cassis fruit are present in both the aromatics and flavors of this flashy wine that comes across as oak-driven. As well as Kendall-Jackson's Artisans and Estates wines performed in my tastings, the overall quality level of KJ's Vintner's Reserve and Grand Reserve offerings was less impressive than in previous vintages. Tel. (800) 769-3649; Fax (707) 579-3419