96 Jeb Dunnuck - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"More voluptuous, textured and layered than the Bien Nacido, the 2010 Syrah Upslope (100% Syrah that's 50% Thompson, 33% Larner and 17% Verna's) is a brilliant effort! Showing deep blackberry and raspberry fruit, wet stone-like minerality, spring flowers, herbes de Provence and hints of bacon fat, it flows onto the palate with a medium to full-bodied, elegant palate feel, gorgeous fruit and a clean, lengthy finish. Still tight and backwards, it needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will drink beautifully for 10-12 years. Drink now-2022.

Craig Jaffurs continues to produce a bevy of brilliant Rhone blends from his winery in Santa Barbara. While his 2010s are spectacular, his 2011s are lighter in color and weight, with more upfront characters. They should pick up additional weight with some bottle time, yet most will require drinking over the coming 5-6 years."