The theme was “Que Syrah, Shiraz” -- West Coast American Syrah versus Australian Shiraz. Three Syrahs, numbers 1, 2 and 7 in our tasting, versus four Shiraz bottles, numbers 3 through 6.

There wasn’t a dud in the bunch. If I recall, numbers 5 and 6 disappeared awfully fast.

Here are the wines in the order we tasted them, with some reviews I found online:

1. 2002 Ridge Syrah Lytton Estate (Tim)

I found a review for the 2001:

Robert Parker 90

The outstanding 2001 Syrah Lytton Estate (includes 1% Viognier in the blend) boasts a saturated purple color as well as uplifting aromas of blackberries, black currants, licorice, vanilla, and forest floor. Dense, with medium to full body, supple tannin, good viscosity, and a long finish, this beauty will drink well for 7-8 years.

2. 2005 Gainey Pinot Noir (Don?)

Robert Parker 87

This competently made, dark ruby-colored Pinot Noir possesses plenty of sweet black currant and cherry fruit, an attractive, textured mouthfeel, attractive purity as well as spice, and a straightforward style. Drink it over the next 3-4 years.

3. 2006 D'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz / Viognier (Rey?)

Robert Parker 92

The 2006 The Laughing Magpie is composed of 94% Shiraz and 6% Viognier. Deep crimson/violet in color, it offers up notes of cherry, ginger, black tea, tar, and blueberry. Medium to full-bodied, layered flavors of cherry, blueberry, and dark chocolate make an appearance accompanied by ripe tannin and excellent concentration leading to a long, refined finish. It will benefit from 3-4 years of cellaring and drink well through 2020.

D’Arenberg has been owned and operated by the Osborn family since its inception in 1912. The portfolio, with a focus on Rhone varietals, is wide-ranging and value-oriented from top to bottom.

Wine Spectator rating: 85

Firm in texture, with a delicately spicy edge to the blackberry flavors, finishing on a slightly acrid smoky note. Best after 2008. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 2,500 cases imported.  –HS

Robert Parker 90

The 2006 Shiraz (75%) – Grenache (25%) was aged for 12 months in French oak. The Shiraz portion was sourced from importer Ben Hammerschlag’s high altitude McLaren Vale vineyard. Purple-colored, it offers complex aromas of Asian spices, vanilla, pepper, blueberry, and black cherry. Full-bodied with sweet fruit and ripe flavors, the wine has enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years. The finish is long and pure. Drink it through 2020.

Wine Spectator rating 87

Firm in texture, spicy in flavor, with pepper and clove overtones to the black fruit flavors, lingering on the fine-grained finish. Best from 2009 through 2013. 3,500 cases made.  –HS

5. 2006 Tyrrell’s Vat 11 (Chris)

Congrats to Chris for bringing the wine so obscure, I couldn’t find any reviews!

6. 2003 Parson's Flat Cabernet / Shiraz (Chuck)

Robert Parker 94

This gorgeous effort from vineyards owned by the Longbottom family, is a blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. It is a big, beefy, opulent red with fabulous creme de cassis-like fruit intermixed with notions of bacon fat, espresso roast, and sweet berries. This voluptuous, fruit-forward effort is a classic example of what Australia does best ... deliver extroverted, super-ripe, lusciously-textured, nearly over-the-top wines that are thrilling to drink. This 2003 should age nicely for 7-8 years.

Wine Spectator rating 88

Ripe, dense and chewy, a broad-beamed red with rich cherry, tar and pepper flavors, finishing firm if a bit hot, persisting well. Best after 2006. 700 cases imported.  –HS

7. 2005 Austin Hope Winery Syrah Hope Family Vineyard (James)

Robert Parker 90

An up-and coming winery in Paso Robles, Austin Hope’s 2005 Syrah exhibits nice blackberry and cassis notes intermixed with some earth, asphalt, and toast. The wine has a layered mouthfeel, supple tannins, decent acidity, and a plump, fleshy, opulent mouthfeel that gives this wine current appeal, although it should hold nicely and perhaps even improve over the next 7-8 years.