ROCK by Kenward Family Wines, Napa Valley (California) Syrah 2009

 Tor Kenward says that he fell in love with the Rhône Valley and its wines, which is obvious from this standout bottling.  This wine has a gorgeous nose of lifted violet floral aromatics, peppered bacon, cinnamon and nutmeg spice, and BBQ smoke.  The concentrated just-ripe plum, raspberry, and blackberry fruit notes are complemented by leather and granite.  While dense and dusty, the wine has elegance reminiscent of the Northern Rhône.  This is a big but refined wine with a long supple finish.  Impeccably balanced and impressively made.