Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2020 Syrah Williamson-Doré Vineyard comes in on another level and is an incredible bottle of wine. Based on a mix of clones that were fermented with a splash of stems, aged in 41% new barrels, its deep purple hue is followed by a fabulous bouquet of blackberries, fresh plums, bouquet garni (bay leaf and rosemary), and hints of gamey, underbrush nuances. It’s medium to full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish.
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Vinous
The 2020 Syrah Williamson-Doré Vineyard is another super-impressive wine in this range from Foxen. Bright red-toned fruit, iron, cedar, tobacco, white pepper and herbs all race across the palate. I love the energy and tension here.
Range: 93-95 -
Wine Spectator
Refined and detailed, with handsome flavors of blueberry and cherry that take on smoked meat and cracked pepper notes as this builds richness toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2030. 271 cases made.
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.”
Today it is an integral part of the greater Santa Barbara County wine region, but at one time the village, Los Olivos, was a stop on the Wells Fargo stagecoach line.