2009 Cowhorn Syrah 80

Vineyard: Cowhorn Biodynamic vineyard in Jacksonville

Winemaker: Bill Steele

Recognition: 92 points from Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

Price: $35

Case production: 630 cases

What it goes with: T-bone or rib-eye steaks, roasted vegetables and savory or smoky-flavored pastas

Tasting notes: Despite a growing season with 80 hours of frost, this 100 percent syrah is elegant and complex with dark cherry, cassis, beet root, violets, black tea and peat flavors.

— Janet Eastman