Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
There's impressive density evident on the nose of this bottling, starting with charcoal, roasted meat and beach tar, as well as savory tones of green olive and black pepper. Charred berry flavors come through on the sip, as do iodine, smoked meat, dried herbs, pepper and a hint of caramel. Drink 2022–2038.
Cellar Selection -
Jeb Dunnuck
The 2018 Syrah was mostly destemmed as well (80% destemmed) and also brought up in 20% new French oak. This inky ruby/plum-colored 2018 gives up a great nose of black raspberries, red plums, cracked peppercorns, and bouquet garni. Beautifully textured, medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannins and integrated acidity, I love its overall balance as well as its complexity. This cool-climate Syrah has one foot in California and one foot in the Northern Rhône. Drink it over the coming 5-7 years or more.
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.