2006 SYRAH ROLL RANCH
Ojai, California

A bit young to drink now--though I did serve it recently at a dinner party and caused quite a controversy when I said I preferred it to our 2003 Thompson syrah, which I'd also served. Yes, the Thompson is more resolved and ready to drink, and it is richer and more concentrated, but I liked the way the Roll was livelier and worked with the roast chicken we were having that night. As always, it humbled me to realize we all have different palates, and when it comes to things of taste there is no right or wrong. It's not much of a consolation, but being in this business for 27 years I have the confidence to predict that my friends will really enjoy this wine when it has been properly cellared for another seven years.