Winemaker Notes
As our first Santa Barbara County Syrah, we felt this wine is a stunning example of Syrah. Full bodied and refined with rich blueberry and dried fruits notes. The density, texture, and depth of this wine are a testament to the quality of the vineyards. The Margerum Estate Vineyard and the other two vineyards are farmed organically, ensuring an environmentally friendly approach to viticulture. The Margerum Estate Vineyard planted a complex array of Syrah grapes with a variety of clones, some own rooted and co-planted with Viognier.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2019 Syrah Santa Barbara County is soft, fruity and very easy to like. Bright floral notes lift a core of red/purplish berry fruit. Medium in body and refreshing, the 2019 has a lot to offer. The County Syrah is built along the lines of a cool year, which means the wine is a bit linear and nervy in feel.
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Wine Spectator
Generous and polished, offering vibrant cherry and raspberry flavors that take on white pepper, licorice and savory accents as this glides toward refined tannins. Drink now.
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.