Winemaker Notes
The 2019 Spear Estate Syrah shows blueberry, floral and white pepper on the nose. Boysenberry, currant and elderberry on the palate. The mouthfeel is dry and elegant.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Syrah Estate saw just a touch of stems as well as all neutral oak. It reveals a dense ruby/purple color to go with a gamey, exotic nose of briny red and black fruits, spring flowers, and game. Beautiful on the palate, it reminds me of a more floral Côte Rôtie from the southern side of the appellation and has light yet present tannins, good acidity, and a great finish.
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.