90-92 Robert Parker - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2006 Syrah Fairview Ranch, from the Santa Lucia Highlands, is more evolved from a structural standpoint, with a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol, and wood. It is broad yet elegant, with pure cassis and blackberry fruit, a hint of spring flowers, and a distinct earthiness. At present, this cuvee appears to be the safest choice." -90-92 points Robert Parker

"A big-shouldered syrah with rich, velvety tannins, this shows full-on Santa Lucia Highlands ripeness checked by the fine white pepper and savory smoked meat flavors of a cool-climate zone. It shows more mineral character with air, the texture a silky vehicle for peppery spice and black cherry richness." -91 Points - Wine & Spirits

"Inky ruby. Highly expressive aromas of dark berry preserves, smoked meat, violet and olive. Very syrah on the palate as well, offering ripe dark berry compote flavors framed by chunky tannins. Gains power on the finish, which strongly repeats the violet and olive notes. This big boy would be great with grilled lamb with Moroccan spices." -90 points- Josh Raynolds- International Wine Cellar

WINE:
"The wine is medium to dark ruby with tinge of violet at edges. There is a character that is unmistakably 'Fairview Ranch' with a nose of blueberries, black pepper, black raspberry, currant, chocolate, cedar and rhubarb. Medium to full bodied and mouth coating with silky tannins, good structure and grip. Blueberry, cranberry/currant, black pepper, almonds, and cinnamon apple crisp flavors intermingle and unfold. The finish is long and lingering with persistence on the mid-palate. As with the '05 Fairview, the '06 will tempt in its youth and likely improve over another five to ten years." -Winery

WINEMAKING:
"This wine was harvested in October 2006. This was fermented with whole berry clusters, cold soaked, hand punched, and indigenous yeast was used. This wine was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels. Only 270 cases were produced." -Winery

VINEYARDS:
"This is our second vintage to work with the Fairview Ranch Vineyard and already the distinctive sense of place comes through clearly in the wine. We feel this Northern end of the the Santa Lucia Highlands close to the fog influence of Monterey bay and next to the famed Rosella's and Garys' Vineyards produces classic cool climate Syrah. The foggy mornings and windy afternoons make it possible to harvest at the peak of ripeness while maintaining balance in the finish wine." -Winery

This scored 89 points by Wine Spectator.