The 1999 Artiste (92% Syrah and 8% Viognier), which is meant to emulate a French Cote Rotie, is available only in magnums (at a painfully high price). Although it is intended to be a serious, ageworthy red, the level of oak and astringent tannin obliterate much of the fruit. As the wine sits in the glass, faint notes of tapenade and black currants emerge, but it is hard to get past the wood. The finish is austere. It is questionable whether a great deal will develop, although there is a serious side to this offering. Is this a victim of its own ambitiousness? I wouldn't take the gamble.Tel. (800) 313-WINE