2000 Jade Mountain Paras Vineyard "Block P10" Syrah (Was $75)

93 points Wine Enthusiast: "Still plenty of grippy tannins in this wine, which has some Grenache and Viognier. But the astringency doesn't mask the huge flavors of black cherries and sweet oak. Displays pure mountain character of intensity and power. Drink now through 2010." (05/05). 90 points Robert Parker: "The outstanding 2000 Syrah Paras Vineyard Block P-10 may not be a great value, but it is a beautiful effort offering notes of blackberry liqueur, acacia flowers, forest floor, truffles, and espresso. It possesses good sweetness and richness as well as a broad texture, but it reveals a touch too much oak that still needs to be resolved. This attractive, complex Syrah should drink well for 6-8 years." (08/04) Reminiscent of a Côte Rôtie, this wine has a seductive nose of blueberry liqueur, baker's chocolate and spicy notes with a palate that combines dark fruits, minced meat, subtle touches of volcanic rock, Asian spice and hints of oak. The finish is long and supple with the wine gaining additional complexity as the bold flavors present on the front palate begin to recede. This wine has greatly benefited from the nine years of bottle age and is drinking wonderfully right now. (Alex Pross, K&L Wine Club Director)