2007 Herman Story 'Nuts & Bolts' Syrah

This dark and pleasing Syrah opens the same way it finishes: with the scent and silky texture of melted fine milk chocolate. My mom, and I suspect Mr. R. Parker, will be proud. But not all is sweet and choclately in this complex and brooding wine as it opens to show smoky beach barbecue, ripe cherry and beef jerky that yields to a more playful palate of orange rind, elderberry, and beautiful flowers. New French oak integrates into the long finish (60+ seconds) with dark chocolate, espresso and pineapple upside down cake. (DRINK NOW: 2+ hour decant; CELLAR: 10-14 years)