Firm and lush, the blend also includes 12% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a bigger, more expansive style than the regular Syrah, but still a fine value. Plush flavors of black fruits—blackberry, black cherry and blue plum—linger sensuously and are wrapped into the toasty barrel flavors.——P.G.(11/1/2007)—— 88