Winemaker Notes
Syrah, the ‘black beauty’ of the Sta. Rita Hills never fails to deliver a dark rich garnet hue filled with a back palate of earth and spice that makes a statement. With the cool temperatures and ocean fog that they receive, the Syrah clusters have a very long hang time. This weather and slow maturation process give gamma balanced notes of white cracked pepper, earthy blueberry, floral notes and Indian spice. A kick of chocolate cherries and slate minerality bring finish to this great ride.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This wine spent three years barrel-aging, and tastes well resolved and integrated. Blue fruit, sage and tree bark accentuate a high-toned center of acid-driven structure and length, the undertones bright in citrus as a hint of cigar box wafts in.
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.”
A superior source of California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills is the coolest, westernmost sub-region of the larger Santa Ynez Valley appellation within Santa Barbara County. This relatively new AVA is unquestionably one to keep an eye on.
The climate of Sta. Rita Hills is a natural match for Chardonnay and Pinot noir, thanks to the crisp ocean breezes and well-drained, limestone-rich calcareous soil. Here, grapes ripen just enough, while retaining brisk acidity and harmonious balance.