Tasting notes: ***** Chez Ray 2007 Alexander West Side Syrah, Sonoma CA (SA8A)

In the glass: Dark magenta, opaque from about a half inch in from the edge.

On the nose: Poured cool without a decant and swirled vigorously, this syrah shows shy, sweet, dark violets.

On the palate: The first element on the palate is a bold, lifted, cloaking sweet deep violet robe in the mid-palate.  It lifts up to the roof of your mouth, coats it, and slowly slides down the sides of your cheeks, releasing deep, sweet whiffs of black violet fruit as it sinks.

And the finish: Soft, fragrant, lasting.

In summary: Among the best we've seen from Chez Ray.  the Alexander West Side Syrah's have shown their preeminence across a range of yeasts.  Overall, an absolutely compelling Chez Ray offering, rating five stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale.