Winemaker Notes
In the case of Roll Ranch the warm climate gives the wine power in the form of tannins and alcohol but also a density and tightness that can take years to resolve itself. With this in wine we have actively tried through wine making to bring finesse to this brooding beast. Each year we augment the thick fruitiness that characteristic of Roll by co-fermenting a small amount of viognier with the syrah, and this contributes a subtle white flower perfume. Additionally, in the last few years we have using a substantial portion of the whole clusters in the fermentation which brings a woodsy, resinous background reminiscent of nutmeg or cedar.
Blend: 98% Syrah, 2% Viognier
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Coming from a warmer site near Ojai, in Ventura County, the 2016 Syrah Roll Ranch Vineyard shows a pretty, elegant style (especially if compared to older vintages) as well as perfumed notes of blueberries, wild strawberries, bay leaf, and violets. With medium-bodied richness and depth, terrific balance, notable purity of fruit, and a great finish, drink it anytime over the coming 10-15 years.
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Connoisseurs' Guide
A wee bit riper and slightly fuller in volume than its companion from the Bien Nacido Vineyard, this solidly fruited Syrah conveys a good deal of varietal nuance all the same, and, while its flavors start out with a big burst of youthful fruit, they tighten as slightly drying tannins kick in. More than its sibling, it needs additional time before showing the sophistication it presently implies, and a rest of five years in a quiet corner of the cellar is the prescribed course.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Syrah Roll Ranch is medium ruby with aromas of blueberry, violet, gravel dust, earth, savory herbs and meaty tinges with black fruits at the core. The palate is medium to full-bodied, offering intense flavors and a chewy frame and finishing long with just enough freshness. 264 cases produced.
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.”
The largest and perhaps most varied of California’s wine-growing regions, the Central Coast produces a good majority of the state's wine. This vast California wine district stretches from San Francisco all the way to Santa Barbara along the coast, and reaches inland nearly all the way to the Central Valley.
Encompassing an extremely diverse array of climates, soil types and wine styles, it contains many smaller sub-AVAs, including San Francisco Bay, Monterey, the Santa Cruz Mountains, Paso Robles, Edna Valley, Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley.
While the Central Coast California wine region could probably support almost any major grape varietiy, it is famous for a few Central Coast reds and whites. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel are among the major ones. The Central Coast is home to many of the state's small, artisanal wineries crafting unique, high-quality wines, as well as larger producers also making exceptional wines.