Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The late release 2011 Syrah Blue Label is the straight Santa Barbara County Syrah (of which there was no release in 2011 due to the frost) that sees additional barrel age. While I question these extended barrel aging cuvees in a number of cases, it certainly works here and this is up with the creme de la creme of the vintage. Seeing 30 months in 30-40% new French oak, it boasts knockout aromas and flavors of cassis, black raspberry, creamy licorice, rendered bacon fat and a hint of toast. This is followed by a medium to full-bodied Syrah that has beautiful mid-palate density, a polished, silky texture and fabulous focus and purity that carries through the finish. It’s hard to resist now, yet should evolve gracefully for another 5-7 years, if not more.
These are smoking efforts from winemaker Sashi Moorman.
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.