Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Moving to the Rhone releases, all three of these latest releases are flat out fantastic. The 2013 Syrah Seven checks in as a mix of 89% Syrah, 8% Grenache, 2% Mourvèdre and a splash of Viognier that’s from a mix of vineyards throughout the Santa Ynez Valley. Aged 20 months in 7% new oak, it offers classic notes of blackberries, peppery herbs, smoked game and a kiss of olive in its medium to full-bodied, balanced, layered and seamless personality. There are only 400 cases available, but it’s a seriously impressive red to drink over the coming decade.
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.