Deep garnet colored, the 2004 The Governor Syrah is scented of warm plums, spice cake, aniseed and bacon fat with an undercurrent of dried Chinese plums and soy. Rich, concentrated and medium to full bodied, it has a good line of crisp acid and velvety tannins, finishing long and layered. Delicious now, it should continue to cellar to 2017+.

Saturated purple. Sexy, powerfully scented bouquet of candied dark berries, plum preserves, sandalwood and floral oils. Expansive and deep, offering sweet dark berry flavors and fully absorbed tannins that add gentle grip. This is handling the oak better than the basic shiraz today, and the finish is long, clinging and sweet.

Smooth in texture and ripe in flavor, with juicy plum and currant fruit at the center, shaded with hints of white pepper and earth. Finishes with refinement and grace. Drink now through 2016. 150 cases imported.