2004 Ojai "White Hawk Vineyard" Santa Ynez Valley Syrah

95 points and three stars from the Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine: "Simply deeper and more refined than its cellar mates, with an impressive subtlety to its clear statement of Syrah pepper and spice, this impressive opus delivers fully on its promise of concentrated fruit from front to back and does so with a fine, supple feel. It is wonderfully well-balanced and firmed by a keen streak of perfectly fit tannins, and it conveys a real sense of depth throughout." (07/08) 93 points from Robert Parker: "The 2004 Syrah White Hawk exhibits a deep purple color along with notes of mocha, subtle coffee and oak, and oodles of blackberry and black cherry fruit. I can’t help but think that when Adam was talking about internationally-styled monster wines, and saying it would be the last thing he would do, this wine seems to be part of that group of wines he was criticizing. It’s a beautiful full-bodied, powerful, long effort that should become more elegant, refined, and terroir-based in 5-6 years (as will some of those unnamed wines he was criticizing). This knock-out Syrah should drink well young, but age handsomely for a decade or more." (08/07) 93 points from Wine Enthusiast: "...very much in the Northern Rhône style. Dry and tannic, the wine shows blackberry, currant, cola, smoky vanilla oak and peppery spice flavors. Elegant and upscale now, it should age well for several years." (05/08)