Winemaker Notes
A cool climate Syrah blended from three vineyards: Robert Rae and Hines vineyards at the eastern edge of Sta. Rita Hills and Bien Nacido Vineyard in Santa Maria Valley. Aged for 11 months in neutral French oak. An olive tapenade delight!
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 Syrah is sourced from Bien Nacido and Portico Hills, fermented with 25% whole clusters. The nose is dark and berry-forward with white pepper and purple flower aromas. Juicy and quenching on the palate, it concludes with a bright, pretty finish further accented with spice-driven, savory notes.
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.