Winemaker Notes
The White Hawk vineyard is located in Los Alamos Valley in northern Santa Barbara County. It is planted on sandy soils between 900 and 1000 feet in elevation and receives a somewhat cool maritime influence. The vines are farmed sustainably and organically in most vintages. The grapes are from a selection of the old California Estrella clone, vine age approximately 10 years old.
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2008 Holus Bolus White Hawk is a 150-case lot of 100% Syrah that spent 16 months in 20% new French oak, with the balance in 1- to 3-year-old barrels. Impressive all around, with plenty of cassis and black raspberry fruit, leather, ground herbs and exotic herbs and spice, this medium to full-bodied, textured and concentrated Syrah has evolved nicely.
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.