For years Ontario winemakers have been trying to perfect Syrah and winemaker Derek Barnett of Lailey has been making some of the best pure-Syrah in the province (think not Shiraz young man) … but this 2012 might be his best to date. Nose is meaty and smoky with the beauty of blueberry and black raspberry fruit mixed with white pepper. Palate brings the promise of the nose to fruition in all its smoky-meaty glory adding black pepper, black raspberry, blackberry and cassis in the fruit department which sticks around all the way to the finish. Also to be found on the tongue: spice and cocoa … and don’t forget the great acidity which keeps everything in check. Price: $27.00 – Rating: **** ½