Winemaker Notes
The 2021 Santa Barbara County Syrah combines fruit from six top sites spanning the entire county. After blending trials, a small amount of Petite Sirah and Grenache are added for complexity and aromatic lift. More than a sum of its parts, showing plum and Herbes de Provence aromatics, with flavors of raspberry, mint and peppercorn. This medium-bodied wine was fermented with 18% stem-inclusion and aged in neutral oak for 10 months. A pure and fresh Syrah that is made to be approachable in its youth, but has the structure to cellar for some years to come.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a great representation of a solid Syrah bottling that touches on both the cooler and warmer aspects of the grape. Intense aromas of blackberry, black peppercorns and charred shishito peppers decorate the nose. The palate is dense, showing rich cassis flavors, but it’s also elegant in spices, with pepper, iodine and purple flower flavors.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Readers looking for a brilliant Syrah from the Central Coast that won't break the bank should jump on the 2021 Syrah, a pure, medium to full-bodied, complex, incredibly satisfying Syrah that hits all the right notes. Blackberries, bouquet garni, ground pepper, and hints of game all define the aromatics, and it has a sense of purity and class that makes you think it would sell for twice its going rate. It's terrific today yet should easily have 7-8 years of overall longevity. The blend is 85% Syrah, 9% Petite Sirah, and the rest Grenache, from the Bien Nacido, Thompson, Larner, Kimsey, and Donnachadh vineyards, that saw a splash of stems and 10 months in neutral barrels.
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.