'01 Guigal Hermitage, '03 Standish, '05 Saxum Bone Rock

Interesting comparison of Syrah based wines from Rhone, Paso Robles and Barossa Valley.

First Flight:
2012 Robert - Denogent Pouilly Fuisse Les Carrons 
2006 Brewer - Clifton Chardonnay Sea Smoke Vineyard

The R-D Les Carrons is an amazing wine. Highly recommended.  Gorgeous floral nose explodes from the glass. Crisp, clean fruit accented by superb minerality. Almost Loire-ish in nature. 
B-C Sea Smoke is on the far side of its drinking window. I've lost my taste for these chardonnays.  High octane and oaky.

Second Flight:
2001 Guigal Hermitage 
2003 The Standish 
2005 Saxum James Berry Vineyard Bone Rock

Guigal was the lightest of the flight. Lovely 13% abv. Almost pinot noir-ish in color. Very deftly executed and food friendly. Tasty olive tapenade and sous bois accents. I actually prefer the 2003 vintage in general from the northern Rhone. 

The Saxum is very well balanced for 16% abv. Mostly Syrah with a dollop of Grenache. I am always impressed by the quality of the fruit in Saxum wines.  The James Berry Vineyard is the crown jewel. Slightly edging out the others as my favorite of the evening.

First time I've enjoyed The Standish in a while. Big wines that need time in the bottle. This 2003 tipped in at around 15% to 16% abv.  Definitely the heavyweight of the flight. Delicious raspberry component.