I freely admit I am in the minority on this wine, but I have to call it as I taste it.

2004 Carlisle Syrah Judge Family Vineyard Bennett Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley (9/20/2008)
Expected to like this after reading all the wonderful things said about the wine and the producer, but I can't say that I really do. I found it overextracted and over the top with some considerable heat on the finish. Just too much of a good thing. The fruit tasted reductive, plummy, and overripe. There was some nice tannins and some acidity to balance it out, but it was offset by the hotness of the alcohol. Not a wine I can get excited about repurchasing. (88 pts.)