Tasting notes: *** Chez Ray Rodger's Vineyard Syrah, Mendocino CA, 2008 (SR8V)

By way of background:  This is Chez Ray Rodger's Vineyard Syrah, Mendocino CA, 2008 (SR8V).  Grapes, yeast and process are described here.

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

On the nose: Poured cool without a decant and swirled vigorously, shows a soft and furry, lightly oaked fruit nose. 

On the palate: The first element on the palate is round ripe fruit compote, a mix of black and red berries.  It is soft and turns aromatic after a few seconds, bringing some violet aloft.  Finish is brief, but full and clean.

In summary: Overall, a soft, solid, mid-palate experience, generating three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale.