The red wines begin with the 2008 Syrah sourced from the Pepper Bridge and Stone Tree Vineyards with aging for 19 months in 75% new French oak. A glass-coating, opaque purple color, it offers up a slightly reticent nose of smoked meat, sandalwood, lavender, and blueberry. Spicy on the palate with a velvety texture, good depth, and plenty of flavor, this solid, well-balanced Syrah will be at its best from 2012 to 2018. Cadaretta’s three submissions are all outstanding.Tel. (877) 810-4939; www.cadaretta.com

The best Syrah so far from Cadaretta, this pure varietal is three-quarters Pepper Bridge and one-quarter Stone Tree Vineyard fruit. The purity and focus are compelling. Deep boysenberry fruit is highlighted with black olive and dusty coffee. Tight and expressive.——P.G.(12/15/2011)—— 91