2005 Alban Vineyards Pandora ($115) This noteworthy blend of Grenache and Syrah is redolent of Provençal herbs, black pepper and cherries, with a hint of fig.
2005 L'Aventure Côte-à-Côte ($75) A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, the Côte-à-Côte is a dead ringer for a top Southern Rhône, with California-style ripeness and power.
2006 Linne Calodo The Contrarian ($36) With its minerality and intense aromas of honeysuckle and tropical fruit, this blend of Roussanne and Viognier is a California version of a white Hermitage from the Rhône.
2005 Saxum Vineyards James Berry Vineyard Cuvée ($55) One of several impressively concentrated single-vineyard, Syrah-dominant wines from Saxum's talented Justin Smith.
2004 Tablas Creek Vineyard Esprit de Beaucastel ($45) A wine of great concentration and purity, the Esprit de Beaucastel (named in honor of the Rhône "original," Château de Beaucastel) is a blend of Mourvèdre, Syrah, Grenache and Counoise that is massive and eminently ageworthy.
2005 Villa Creek Cellars The Avenger ($35) An always-complex, rich and mouth-filling wine, the Avenger is (usually) a blend of two-thirds Syrah and one-third Mourvèdre and Grenache, from a producer of wines with true personality and character.
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