While a lot of the 2012s came in near the bottom of the barrel score, that wasn't the case with the 2012 Syrah Bionic Frog and this beauty flirts with perfection. Inky colored and purple to the rim, it offers extraordinary notes of black fruits, wild mushrooms, smoked earth and salty minerality. These all flow to a full-bodied, thrillingly concentrated, focused, structured and lengthy 2012 that needs 4-5 years of cellaring, and will knock your socks off over the following 15 years or more.

Lithe, focused, cohesive and distinctive, with licorice overtones around a core of plum and spice, finishing gracefully and with excellent persistence. Drink now through 2022. 483 cases made. –HS

Aromatics of grilled game. Concentrated, strong palate with hints of flowers in the background. A powerful while still pretty wine. Notes of raspberry leaf, violet cream and dark cherry. Persistent tannins and balancing acidity with lots of length. Wants time in cellar. (ECB)