Winemaker Notes
This 100% whole cluster Syrah has classic Estate Syrah characteristics. Deep perfumed black fruit and crushed flower aromatics jump out of the glass. The palate is lush with mouth filling wild berry fruit, and a savory element developing on the long finish. Substantial tannins give the wine backbone and verve.
Pair this with a hardwood charcoal grilled ribeye.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2019 Syrah (Santa Cruz Mountains) is fabulous. Bright and effusive, the 2019 is immediately captivating. Rose petal, sweet red cherry, mint, blood orange, cinnamon and licorice lend quite a bit of aromatic presence. This mid-weight yet deep, beautifully expressive Syrah is positively stellar. I suppose there are more 'important' wines in this range, but the appellation Syrah is especially fine, and a real highlight.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Syrah Santa Cruz Mountains sports brooding, savory notes of coffee beans, cracked pepper and black olives on the nose. The palate admirably balances deep, smoldering fruit flavors with an energetic, lifted framing and charred grip on the finish. The tannin structure is fine and powdery but provides a balanced structure. This is a fantastic value primed for early consumption.
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Wine Enthusiast
Dark cherry and wild thyme aromas pick up more complex sandalwood and olive tapenade tones on the nose of this appellation cuvée. The palate is grippy and tight, showing black raspberry, black plum and potpourri flavors.
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 rugged and topographically diverse cool-climate appellation with a rich history, the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA stretches from Half Moon Bay, just south of San Francisco, to the northern border of Monterey County. Elevations range from 800 feet to upwards of 3,000 and microclimates vary substantially depending on which side of the mountains the vineyards lie; cool ocean winds and fog play an important role here. This can be a challenging region in which to grow grapes, but it is well worth the effort. Santa Cruz Mountains wines are noted for balanced acidity levels, often showing great aging potential. Wine has been made here since the 1800s, most notably from the legendary Ridge Vineyards, whose Monte Bello vineyard garners international admiration.
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the stars of this region, while Merlot and Zinfandel also perform quite well. Organic and sustainable vineyard practices are becoming increasingly common.