Groundwork Syrah 2018
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Jeb
Dunnuck -
Wilfred
Wong
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Notes of boysenberry, green olive, white pepper, oregano, pomegranate juice, cedarwood, and deep red rose petal.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Coming from two sites in Santa Barbara County and fermented with one-third stems (added back after destemming), brought up in neutral oak, the 2018 Syrah has a cool-climate, stemmy, downright peppery nose of dark berry fruits, cedarwood, ground pepper, and violets. It just screams Syrah on the nose. This incredibly spicy, peppery Syrah is medium-bodied and has a juicy, nicely textured mouthfeel as well as a great finish.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2018 Groundwork Syrah packs a wallop on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine plays up its concentrated ripe, black fruit in its aromas and flavors. Enjoy it with grilled, well-marbled beef. (Tasted: December 21, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
Other Vintages
2020-
Wilfred
Wong
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Wine
Enthusiast -
Jeb
Dunnuck -
Wilfred
Wong
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Wilfred
Wong -
Wine
Spectator
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Wilfred
Wong
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Robert
Parker
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
With a dry and mild climate cooled significantly by moist ocean fog and breezes, Santa Barbara County is a grape-grower’s dream. Part of the larger Central Coast appellation, Santa Barbara is home to Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. The conditions here provide an opportunity for nearly effortless production of high-quality cool-climate Central Coast wines. This is also the site of the 2004 film Sideways, which caused Pinot Noir’s popularity to skyrocket and brought new acclaim to the region.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the stars of Santa Barbara, producing wines marked by racy acidity. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and savory Syrah are also important. The region is home to many young and enthusiastic winemakers eager to experiment with less common varieties including Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Trousseau Gris, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, making it an exciting area to watch.