Winemaker Notes
Dark purple hue with rich and intense aromas of wild blue and black fruits, violets, lilacs, Kalamata olive, peppercorn anise, asphalt and liquid smoke. On the palate, this complexity becomes cohesive and driven with fresh dark brambly fruits, kirschy suppleness and very concentrated flavors. Long-lived and a must decant if drunk in the next 1–3 years.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Compellingly savory aromas of seared lamb chops, cracked peppercorns and smoked game pair with brisk red fruit. Crisp, tart fruits lead off the palate, then the layers of peppercorn, thyme and smoked meat sing on the dynamic, complex finish.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Syrah Sebastiano comes from the Sebastiano vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills—the highest-elevation Syrah within the appellation, on clay and limestone soils and ravaged by ocean winds. The wine was fermented entirely with whole clusters in concrete and aged for two years in neutral foudres. Medium to deep ruby-purple, it has a lovely nose of olive, chocolate, spiced blueberry preserves, black cherries and blackcurrants with garrigue and loads of dried blue flower and peppered meat nuances. The palate is medium to full-bodied, intense and savory with oodles of floral accents, framed by wonderfully grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long. A classic and elegantly crafted cool-climate Syrah. 594 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.”
A superior source of California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills is the coolest, westernmost sub-region of the larger Santa Ynez Valley appellation within Santa Barbara County. This relatively new AVA is unquestionably one to keep an eye on.
The climate of Sta. Rita Hills is a natural match for Chardonnay and Pinot noir, thanks to the crisp ocean breezes and well-drained, limestone-rich calcareous soil. Here, grapes ripen just enough, while retaining brisk acidity and harmonious balance.