Winemaker Notes
Seductive depth, even on the nose, belies wonderful coating richness on palate. Just a hint of black pepper and cedar wood smoke (from the large once-used oak barrels) frame the sheer volume of beautiful fruit. Tannin and acid marry for a subtle kick to bring this expansive “wow” wine to a streamlined finish. One of the most impressive 2019 reds upon release, but it will also further blossom to the next-level with years in bottle. A very exciting wine!
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Lots of stem-influenced notes of iron, game, and spice as well as both red and blue fruits emerge from the 2019 Syrah Angeli, another medium to full-bodied, pure, downright vibrant wine from this team. This cuvée comes from the ridgeline section of the estate and is another Syrah to give a year or so in the cellar.
Rating:</> 93(+)
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.”
Accounting for only ten percent of the greater Santa Ynez AVA, Ballard Canyon’s north-south orientation provides an ideal pattern of sunshine and martime fog for producing excellent Syrah. While Syrah is planted to half of the total AVA acreage, an additional third is dedicated to other Rhône varieties, red and white.