Winemaker Notes
Über is a synonym for super; and above. Über Syrah is a co-fermentation of all the top Santa Barbara County vineyards: consisting of equal parts from Black Oak, White Hawk, Shokrian, Zaca Mesa, Donnachadh and Portico. As each parcel of fruit arrives at the winery, approximately 10% of each pick and each clone is separated and added to the Über fermenter. The fermentation process is a wild, uninterrupted ferment; more grapes are added over time as each of the vineyards are picked, increasing the maceration time with a continuing ferment over the period of 21 days. This wine was matured for 19 months in 75% new Ermitage French oak barriques. The wine was never racked until it was bottled.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2020 Syrah Über is fabulous. As always, the Über is a blend of various lots that are vinified together, in succession, as various picks arrive into the winery. It then spends 22 months in 100% new oak, with no racking. The 2022 possesses compelling inner sweetness and layers of flavor that build in the glass. Sumptuous and racy, with impeccable balance, the Über is a winner. Give it a year or two to soften.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Lastly, the 2020 Syrah UBER (which includes 1% Viognier) is deep ruby/plum-hued and offers up terrific darker cherry and black raspberry fruits supported by lots of violet, peppery herbs, and black tea-like nuances. This nicely textured, medium-bodied, round, thoroughly satisfying Syrah can be drunk any time over the coming decade or more.
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Wine Enthusiast
This cofermented batch of Syrah from multiple vineyards endured a 45-day maceration to deliver fresh yet rich aromas of blueberry, woodspice and soy on the nose. The palate combines blueberry jam with smoked nori, iodine and toasted herb aromas.
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Wine Spectator
Deeply structured and rather compact at the moment, with blackberry and currant flavors accented by licorice and espresso, finishing with medium-grained tannins.
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.