Winemaker Notes
Being a warm site they ferment the Roll Ranch in a fundamentally different way. A small portion of Viognier is added to help propel the aromatics, and rely on fermenting with a majority of whole clusters to bring a spicy character to the wine. Making this wine has been a 19-year evolution. Learning how to listen to what a vineyard has to say and capturing its spirit is a slow process!
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Adam Tolmach continues to explore the potential of the Ojai Valley viticulture, and this richer but balanced Syrah is strong evidence of the region’s suitability for wine grapes. Aromas of violet, lilac, cola, Dr Pepper and savory smoked meats lead into a very aromatic palate of lavender and black-currant jelly. Editors’ Choice
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.