Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A gorgeous effort that's loaded with ripe blackberry, pepper, graphite and crushed rock-like minerality, the 2014 Syrah Roasted Slope Vineyard (92% Syrah and 8% Viognier aged 18 months in 10% new French oak) is medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced and pure, with good freshness and ripe tannin. It's beautifully done and will keep for 7-8 years.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
While Cote-Rotie remains the gold standard when producing wines with nearly 100% Syrah and a small percentage of Viognier, many wineries across the globe have become quite adept at making wines that closely resemble this unique northern Rhone Valley model. The 2014 Andrew Murray Vineyards Roasted Slope compares quite favorably. This wine is well-balanced, with bright red fruit and white pepper. Pair with rotisserie lamb. (Tasted: June 9, 2017, San Francisco, CA)
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.