Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Leading off the 2017s, the 2017 Syrah Santa Barbara County had already been bottled and it delivers everything you’d expect: rocking aromatics of blueberries, blackberries, lavender, and pepper, medium to full body, an elegant, seamless texture, and a great finish. It’s actually slightly more elegant and vibrant than some past vintages and is going to evolve beautifully for a decade.
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Wine Spectator
Vibrant and layered, with expressive raspberry and blueberry flavors accented by garrigue notes, hints of mineral and smoked cracked pepper accents that take on richness toward polished tannins. Drink now through 2025.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep ruby, the 2017 Syrah Santa Barbara, made with 20% whole cluster and no new oak, has a nose of white pepper, green peppercorn, cedar shavings, grilled beef, licorice and chocolate with warm black cherry compote, prosciutto, fried herbs and red cherry sparks. It's full-bodied in the mouth with firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness to lift the long 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.”
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.