Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2015 Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard is a straight up, beast of a Syrah. Its glass staining purple color is followed by a smorgasbord of Syrah goodness; blackberry jam, plums, exotic flowers, hints of tapenade, scrub brush and violets all literally soar from the glass. This gives way to a full-bodied, unctuous, and concentrated 2015 that has sweet tannin, notable freshness and a great finish. It’s primary and incredibly un-evolved, and needs 2-3 years of cellaring, yet is a sensational wine.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The darkest colored in the lineup and from tiny yields, the 2015 Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard sports a glass-staining purple color to go with rugged, sage brush, wild herbs and purple fruit characteristics. It has plenty of tannin, and is less obviously sweet than the 2014. Range: 91-94
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Wine Spectator
There's plenty of power and torque in this inky red, with aromas of ripe blueberry, tar and licorice opening to complex flavors of smoky plum and peppered beef. The tannins are big but refined. Drink now through 2027.
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.