Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2015 No. 4 checks in as a blend of 90% Syrah, 6% Viognier, and 4% Mourvèdre that spent 22 months in 70% new French oak. Sporting an inky purple color, it offers a killer perfume of blackberries, blueberries, exotic flowers, orange marmalade, violets, Asian spices, and graphite. Getting a serious "Wow" in the notes for its sensational complexity, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, stunning purity of fruit, and a focused, chiseled yet voluptuous texture. This beauty has everything: complexity, depth, richness, purity, and elegance.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2015 No 4 is composed of 90% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre and 6% Viognier and saw 35% whole cluster, while spending around 22 months in French oak (70% new). Sporting a very deep purple-black color, it reveals vibrant black currants, blackberries and mulberries notes plus touches of sandalwood, espresso, black soil and stewed tea. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and with lovely energy, there is a good firm backbone of grainy tannins supporting the generous fruit, finishing long and savory. 550 cases were made.
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.