Winemaker Notes
Dark blue and black electric color. On the nose, brambly blue and black fruits mix with classic cool climate Mediterranean nuances of black olive, thyme and purple flowers. Hints of grilled meats, dried herbs and anise. On the palate, blackberry, red plum, dark cherry and black licorice, mix with Provençal herbs and grilled meat. Nice architecture and length in the mouth finishing fresh and satiating leaving you wanting more.
Blend: 98% Syrah, 2% Viognier
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
For a countywide designation (albeit most from the estate and Black Oak Vineyard) , this is as almost as complex and versatile as Syrah gets. Lively aromas of fresh purple flowers, crispy boysenberry and white pepper hit the hallmarks. The palate lands with vibrant lavender and lilac alongside snappy plum, more pepper and a minty basil note.
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Vinous
The 2021 Syrah (Santa Barbara County) races out of the glass with blue/black fruit and a host of savory overtones that add complexity. Dried flowers, tobacco, herbs, coffee and leather develop with a bit of air. The interplay of boisterous fruit and more typically savory varietal nuances is quite attractive.
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.