Winemaker Notes
Aromatically the wine is delicately perfumed with warm baking spices, mixed red fruits, and hints of oak influence. On the palate, the wine is boldly structured with a full body and rich, ripened red fruits, plums, and well-integrated tannins.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2022 Syrah (Santa Barbara County) is superb. Rich, dark and expansive, the 2022 delivers the goods, big time. Dark cherry/plum fruit, spice, menthol, leather and earthy notes abound in a wine that has so much to offer. The county Syrah is pretty hard to beat, especially in its peer group.
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Wine Spectator
Sleek and elegant, with polished raspberry and cherry flavors accented by espresso and savory spice notes that glide on the polished ending. Drink now through 2032. 1,236 cases made.
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.