Winemaker Notes
This wine is the outcome of creating a complex, rich red that is balanced and supple enough to go with oak-grilled cuisine. "BIG CIRCLE" is our Santa Barbara Syrah that features the deep fruitiness and acidity of our cool climate, combined with the broad flavors and round texture brought on by warm days during the ripening season. It is a full bodied, lively wine that will make you go back for another glass.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Charred strawberry and red plum aromas meet with a savory sense of rosemary-crusted grilled lamb on the lovely nose of this bottling. More red fruit and dank herb flavors arise on the complex and intriguing palate, which pops with classic black pepper notes as well.
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.