VM92-95: The 2015 Petite Syrah Rattlesnake Ridge is the most reticent and tannic of these Petites. Then again, Rattlesnake Ridge sits at 2200 feet atop Howell Mountain, where the rugged landscape yields equally imposing wines. Readers will have to be patient with the 2015, but there is more than enough fruit and overall depth to stand up to the tannins. The light crop has accentuated everything in the wine's fruit and tannic profile.

WS92: Full-throttle, with just enough polish to keep this singing, offering bold, dark blackberry, lavender and smoky cracked pepper flavors that parade toward big, ripe tannins on the finish. Drink now through 2023.