Winemaker Notes
This blend from 50/50 Syrah and Grenache blend comes from some of our favorite sites in SantaBarbara County: 30% Ampelos Grenache, 20% Spear Grenache, 20% Ampelos Syrah, 20% ZotovichSyrah, 10% Rancho Boa Vista Syrah. Combining fruit from both Sta. Rita Hills and BallardCanyon AVAs, this wine has fruit intensity, a silky mouthfeel and the fun aromatic elements youexpect from cool-climate Syrah: olive tapenade, chaparral, smoky-savoriness and fresh herbs. TheGrenache brings the bright red berries and floral notes, making this wine both extremelypleasurable to drink and intriguing to ponder.
Blend: 50% Syrah, 50% Grenache
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This county cuvée...is exuberant on the nose with peppered pomegranate, thyme and crumpled bay aromas. The palate is fresh and punchy, but well structured through the finish, showcasing snappy red fruit, fennel pollen and more thyme flavors.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2020 Syrah/Grenache is...vinified with 75% whole clusters and matured in barrel for around 17 months. It has layered scents of red cherry, cranberry, powdered sugar, old leather, dried herbs and earth. The medium-bodied palate has a delicately styled core of earthy fruit supported by chalky tannins and bright sparks of acidity, and it has a long, spicy finish.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
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.