Winemaker Notes
The SRH Syrah uses a special blend of grapes created by winemaker Bruce McGuire that always includes at least 50% fruit from old vines planted in 1972. The Syrah from the Lafond Vineyard’s old vine block produces fruit with complex spice and floral notes. This Syrah is an honest and delicious reflection of the past and present.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Lafond 2019 SRH Syrah (Sta. Rita Hills). Crisp boysenberry, crumpled purple flowers and soy make for a familiar and compelling nose on this bottling. The palate is zippy with acidity, breathing energy into the lavender and crisp purple fruit flavors.
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.