John Sebastiano Vineyard was planted in 2007 and produced its first crop in 2010. It’s located on the northeastern edge of the Santa Rita Hills appellation way u pin the hills so it catches the ferocious winds that come in from the ocean at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The vines were planted on a steep western slope and the soil has quite a bit of clay with some shale-y bits that pop through here and there. The vines struggle to develop a full canopy of leaves and the fruit ripens late, but each year the wine possesses a complex ethereal aroma with a softness and approachability. I’ve found over the years that either a vineyard has “it” or it doesn’t, and right from the start John Sebastiano Syrah has possessed a strong cool climate personality and I just love it. The aroma and flavor are so compellingly exotic and complex, yet it’s our most gentle and easy going Syrah, the tannins are silky and fine.