Mark Ryan Wild Eyed Syrah 08

2008 Wine Spectator - 93 points - Supple, plush and juicy, this red exhibits blueberry and blackberry flavors, weaving in nuances of black pepper, red chili pepper and cedar as the finish rolls on impressively. Best from 2012 through 2018. 447 cases made. - H.S.

2007 Vintage Tasting Notes

Rich, densely layered sweet blackberries, black cherries, and black raspberries are both wild and refined. When the Wild Eyed isn't busy catapulting intense fruit, it's sneaking in with espresso, anise, licorice, bacon, purple flowers and vanilla. Polished and supple, this is pop-and-pour good right now, with balance to last a decade.

Everyone clamored for Mark's 2006 Wild Eyed after its 94-point rating from Wine Spectator. This is better Syrah from a better vintage.

2007 Wine Spectator - 92 points - Rich in flavor, with a smoky animal edge adding depth to the cherry and beet flavors, mingling harmoniously as the finish comes together against refined tannins. Lingers effectively. Best from 2011 through 2017. 550 cases made. - H.S.

2006 Vintage Tasting Notes

2006 Wine Spectator - 94 points - This supple, open-textured and spectacularly flavorful red from Washington offers gorgeous plum, blackberry, wild flower and espresso flavors that mingle effectively on a surprisingly well-behaved frame. This has terrific flavors and impressive length, and it doesn't go over the top. Drink now through 2015. 350 cases made. - H.S.

2006 Wine Advocate - 92 points - The 2006 Syrah Wild Eyed was aged in 90% new Burgundy barrels. It offers up an alluring bouquet of smoke, tar, meat, game, and blueberry. Supple, ripe, and sweet, with nicely concentrated spicy black fruit flavors, it has enough stuffing to evolve for 2-3 years. Drink this powerful yet elegant Syrah from 2012 to 2020.

Both previous vintages of Wild Eyed Syrah, 04 and 05, received 92 points from Wine Spectator.