Reviews from 1997 to now..... UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2011 Wines

Jeb Dunnuck, The Rhone Report

2011 Jaffurs Grenache Blanc Thompson Vineyard
Very pretty, with loads of citrus rind, mineral, honey, and hints of flowers, the 2011 Jaffurs Grenache Blanc Thompson Vineyard is a blend of 100% Grenache Blanc that was fermented mostly in neutral French oak and 6 months on lees. Medium-bodied, pure, classy, and juicy, it is a delicious white
that will shine for 2-3 years. (91 pts.)

2011 Jaffurs Grenache Blanc Thompson Vineyard
Very pretty, with loads of citrus rind, mineral, honey, and hints of flowers, the 2011 Jaffurs Grenache Blanc Thompson Vineyard is a blend of 100% Grenache Blanc that was fermented mostly in neutral French oak and 6 months on lees. Medium-bodied, pure, classy, and juicy, it is a delicious white
that will shine for 2-3 years. (91 pts.)

2011 Jaffurs Viognier Santa Barbara County
Also classy, with perfumed, floral aromas of white flowers, tropical fruits, lychee, and hints of minerality, the 2011 Jaffurs Viognier Santa Barbara County is medium-bodied, fleshy, full, and supple, with a delicious, gulpable feel. While it has plenty of fruit, it still leans towards the fresher, focused style.
Drink it over the coming year. (89 pts.)

2011 Jaffurs Syrah
A kitchen sink blend of 80% Syrah, 7% Grenache, , 4% Mourvedre, 3% Petite Sirah, 3% Viognier, and 3% Grenache Blanc, the 2011 Jaffurs Syrah is the leanest version of this cuvee I?ve tasted. Aromatic and perfumed, with solid blackberry, mineral, bramble, pepper, and hints of chocolate, it flows onto the palate with a firm, fresh feel, juicy acidity, and fine tannin that comes through on the finish. Building on the palate, with solid, balance, it's a delicious effort meant for drinking over the coming 4-5 years. (90 pts.)

2011 Jaffurs Petite Sirah Thompson Vineyard
One of the most elegant Petite Sirahs out, the 2010 Jaffurs Petite Sirah Thompson Vineyard is a knockout effort that offers up thrilling aromas of smoky black and red raspberries, tar, licorice, mineral, and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, tannic, and structured, yet also seamless and silky, with loads of depth
and richness, it needs 2-3 years of bottle age, and will have 15+ years of total longevity. (94 pts.)

Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

2011 Grenache Blanc Thompson Vineyard Santa Barbara County Light yellow. Pungent, nuanced nose displays tangerine, lemon pith, anise and minerals. Dense and sappy but lively, with good
breadth and depth to the incisive flavors of citrus and orchard fruits. Finishes tight, spicy and energetic, with very good focus and cling. 90

2011 Viognier Santa Barbara County Light yellow. Brighter and more energetic than the 2010 version, displaying scents and flavors of pear, quince, nectarine and honeysuckle, along with a zesty mineral nuance. Refreshingly bitter and precise viognier with strong finishing punch and lingering spiciness. 90

2011 Roussanne Stolpman Vineyard Santa Barbara County Light gold. Vibrant lime and lemongrass on the nose, with complicating mineral and quinine notes. Racy, sharply focused and light on its feet, with vibrant citrus and quince flavors displaying a slightly dry edge. Lime zest and white pepper notes linger on the finish, which shows very good energy and a touch of bitter citrus pith. 90

2010 Wines

Steve Heimoff, The Wine Enthuiast

2010 Syrah, Santa Barbara County – 92 points
Here’s a rich, ripe, opulent Syrah, all jammy blackberry, cherry and currant flavors, sprinkled with black pepper and housed in a structure of firm, strong tannins. It’s a blend of some of the best vineyards in the county, including Bien Nacido, Larner and Ampelos. Drink now–2015.

2010 Viognier, Santa Barbara County – 92 points
A lovely wine, off-dry to moderately sweet, with tropical fruit, honeysuckle and vanilla fla-vors, accented with a roasted almond, granola toasti-ness. Once you accept that it’s not really dry, it’s easy to fall in love with this Viognier, most of which comes from Bien Nacido Vineyard. Editors’ Choice.

Jeb Dunnuck, The Rhone Report

2010 Viognier, Santa Barbara County – 91 points
A textbook Viognier, with beautiful peach, crushed flowers, honeycomb, and touches of underlying minerality and stone nuances, the 2010 Jaffurs Viognier Santa Barbara County is fresh, lively, and possesses solid texture as well as notable freshness on the finish. Given the acidity, this should easy drink well for 3-4 years. Aged all in neutral wood, this comes half from Bien Nacido Vineyard and half from Refugio Vineyard.

2010 Jaffurs Grenache
Sporting a light, transparent color, the 2010 Jaffurs Grenache is a blend of 100% Grenache that spent 18 months in neutral French and American oak. Decidedly cool climate, yet also with good ripeness, it delivers savory red fruits, wild strawberry, white pepper, and hints of flowers to go with medium-
bodied, lively, and lean palate. Well done, enjoyable, and fresh, without a whole lot of depth, it should be enjoyed over the coming 3-4 years. (88 pts.)

2010 Jaffurs High Tide
A blend of 50% Mourvedre, 33% Grenache, and 17% Syrah that was aged almost all in neutral oak, the 2010 Jaffurs High Tide delivers an outstanding bouquet of crisp black cherries, spice, new leather, underbrush, and cracked peppercorn to go with a medium-bodied, fresh, and lively palate. Very juicy
and with solid acidity, yet also with building richness and good tannin, this solid Rhône blend will deliver the goods for 5-7 years. (90 pts.)

2010 Jaffurs Syrah Ampelos Vineyard
From a very cool site, the 2010 Jaffurs Syrah Ampelos Vineyard is a blend of 100% Syrah that was aged in 30% new French oak, and the balance in neutral French and American oak. Very classy and with excellent purity, it delivers deep blackberry, pepper, hints of game, earth, and some herb aromas and flavors to go with a medium-bodied, supple palate. There is a lot of acid here, and the finish could use more length, yet it still delivers solid fruit and
a drinkable feel. Enjoy it over the coming 5-6 years. (89 pts.)

2010 Jaffurs Syrah Thompson Vineyard
Showing more fruit and depth, the 2010 Jaffurs Syrah Thompson Vineyard is a beautiful cool-climate Syrah that delivers, deep, layered aromas of smoked black berry fruits, wild herbs, sage, pepper, and roasted meat. A blend of 100% Syrah that spent 22-months in 20% new French oak, it is a
knockout effort that has a core of sweet fruit, beautiful focus and freshness, and solid length. It will evolve effortlessly for upwards of a decade. (93 pts.)

2010 Jaffurs Syrah Verna's
A whole different beast, the 2010 Jaffurs Syrah Verna's (100% Syrah aged in 25% new French oak for 22-months) is incredibly gamey and perfumed, with loads of spiced red and black fruits, ground pepper, hung game, garrigue, and floral notes all emerging from the glass. Medium to full-bodied, with a voluptuous, soft texture, beautiful transparency, and a clean, lengthy finish, it is a superb Syrah that will thrill for 7-8 years, possibly longer. (93 pts.)

2010 Jaffurs Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard
Tasting like a top flight Côte-Rôtie, the 2010 Jaffurs Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard is a thrilling example of the cool-climate Syrahs coming out of California today. A blend of 100% Syrah that spent 22-months in 30% new French oak, it delivers a stunning array of pure blackberry, black pepper, huge minerality, and background gamey notes that continue to develop and gain in richness and depth over the evening. Medium to full-bodied, balanced, and incredibly classy, with a firm, structured feel and laser like precision, it will benefit from short to mid-term cellaring, and deliver the goods
for over a decade. (95 pts.)

2010 Jaffurs Syrah Upslope
More voluptuous, textured, and layered than the Bien Nacido, the 2010 Jaffurs Syrah Upslope (100% Syrah that?s 50% Thompson, 33% Larner, and 17% Verna?s) is a brilliant effort! Showing deep blackberry and raspberry styled fruit, wet stone-like minerality, spring flowers, herbs de Provence, and hints
of bacon fat, it flows onto the palate with a medium to full-bodied, elegant palate feel, gorgeous fruit, and a clean, lengthy finish. Still tight and backwards, it needs 2-3 years of bottle age, and will drink beautifully for 10-12 years. (96 pts.)

Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

2010 Grenache Blanc Thompson Vineyard Santa Barbara County Pale yellow. Melon, nectarine, spices and floral honey on the nose, which shows a faint warmth. Dense, broad and dry, with
flavors of orange and honeydew and a slightly oily texture. Closes with good power and length, leaving a ripe pit fruit note behind. 88

2010 Viognier Santa Barbara County Light gold. Smoke-accented aromas of lemon, peach, brioche. Warm and expansive if somewhat loose-knit, offering ripe pit fruit flavors and a touch of candied fig. Floral notes sneak in on the finish, which is smooth and seamless. 88


2009 Grenache Santa Barbara County (half of this fruit came from Larner Vineyard and the other half was grown in Thompson Vineyard; vinified with 25% whole clusters): Vivid ruby-red. Spicy raspberry and candied cherry scents are eerily pinot-like in their clarity and vibrancy. Fresh and juicy on the palate, showing vivid red berry flavors and a touch of candied rose. Closes with impressive energy and gentle tannic grip. 91

2010 High Tide Red Wine Santa Barbara County (made from 50% mourvedre, 30% grenache and 20% syrah): Vivid ruby-red. Smoky red fruit and cherry skin on the perfumed nose. Smooth,
sappy and ripe, with nicely integrated acidity adding spine and lift to the ripe raspberry and cherry flavors. Really showing its grenache component today. Finishes with firm, ripe tannins and very good
length. 90

2010 Petite Sirah Thompson Vineyard Santa Barbara County (aged entirely in American oak, 20% new): Inky purple. Powerful scents of dark berry preserves, spicecake and flowers, with complicating notes of vanilla and cola. Lush and creamy but also surprisingly energetic, offering sweet black and blue fruit flavors and exotic star anise and floral pastille nuances. Finishes supple and broad,
with very good cling and only a hint of tannins. 90

2009 Wines

Wine Spectator Magazine, Wine Spectator

Syrah Santa Barbara County Upslope 2009 Score: 92 | $75
Intense spice, pepper and dried wild berry notes give this a tight focus, and the wine unfolds slowly, turning supple and revealing a hot brick and roasted herb edge that promises to be more forthcoming with a year or two. Best from 2013 through 2023. 144 cases made. —J.L.

Syrah Santa Barbara County Verna's Vineyard 2009 Score: 91 | $46
Tightly wound but unfolding, with a pleasant crease of spicy, exotic wild berry flavors that are focused, persistent and full-bodied, ending with a savory berry lift that gets more appealing. Best from 2013 through 2023. 271 cases made. —J.L.

Syrah Santa Barbara County Larner Vineyard 2009 Score: 90 | $42
Pure, ripe and intense, yet delicate and spicy, this red is marked by mineral, cedar, dried wild berry and blueberry flavors. Full-bodied, firming and then drying, though with a stronger push of fruit and spice than some 2009s. Best from 2013 through 2023. 279 cases made. —J.L.

Syrah Santa Barbara County Thompson Vineyard 2009 Score: 90 | $42
Pronounced pepper, spice, nutmeg and dried berry notes give this a dense, tight mix of flavors, with the tannins flexing their muscles. Gets more interesting with aeration, allowing the spiciness to evolve. Full-bodied and slow to unfold. Needs time in the cellar. Best from 2013 through 2023. 144 cases made. —J.L.

Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

2009 Mourvedre Thompson Vineyard Santa Barbara County (made entirely with whole clusters): Deep ruby. Musky cherry and dark berry aromas show good energy, with peppery spice notes providing additional lift. Bitter cherry and cassis flavors are bracing and pure, with a pungent kick of licorice on the the back end. Finishes with impressive power but on a slightly clenched note, with building tannins and strong grip. Give this youthful wine a few more years of bottle age. 90(+?)

2009 Syrah Ampelos Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Inky purple. Heady, smoky bouquet evokes red and dark berries, violet, cracked pepper and minerals, along with a hint of black olive. Densely packed and lively, offering intense blackberry and bitter cherry flavors complicated by candied flowers and cracked pepper. Nervy and precise on the finish, with the spice and floral notes strongly repeating.
92

2009 Syrah Thompson Vineyard Santa Barbara County Opaque ruby. Powerful smoke- and spice-accented aromas of black and blue fruits and licorice, with a pipe tobacco note emerging in theglass. Dense and sappy, offering powerful dark fruit compote flavors and an energizing spicy nuance. Supple tannins come up with air and add shape to the sweet, persistent finish. 92

2009 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Barbara County Glass-staining purple. Flamboyant, spice-accented bouquet scents of candied dark berries, incense and cola, with a sexy candied violet nuance in the background. Stains the palate with sappy blueberry and cassis flavors that become brighter with air. Closes with excellent clarity and energy, with gentle tannins firming the deep dark fruit qualities. 93

2009 Syrah Larner Vineyard Santa Barbara County Inky ruby. Alluring scents of raspberry, game, violet, smoke and Indian spices. Supple and sweet, with lively red fruit compote flavors gaining weight and spiciness with air. This vibrant, highly expressive syrah finishes with strong punch and lingering floral notes. 92

2009 Syrah Upslope Santa Barbara County (made from a six-barrel selection, including one barrel of Larner grenache): Glass-staining purple. Heady scents of black raspberry, boysenberry,incense and violet, along with subtle notes of black pepper and olive tapenade. Lush, spicy and expansive, offering powerful red and dark berry compote flavors and an exotic candied floral quality. Clings impressively on the long, spicy finish, with the boysenberry and floral notes repeating. 93

2008 Wines

Robert Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate

2008 Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard – 97 points
Jaffurs also makes a Syrah from Santa Maria’s most famous vineyard, Bien Nacido. The 2008 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard is black/purple, with an extraordinary nose of asphalt, graphite, blueberry and blackberry liqueur intermixed with some earth and spice. Off-the-charts richness, intensity, and potential for future evolution make this an absolutely prodigious tour de force in Syrah. This is a sensational wine to drink over the next 10-15+ years. The wine’s finish has literally no hard edges but just goes on and on for a good 45+ seconds. This is just fabulous wine.

2008 Syrah, Upslope – 95+ points
The 2008 Syrah Upslope (which Craig Jaffurs describes as selected barrels from his favorite vineyards) is slightly more restrained than the Bien Nacido, with more obvious structure. The wine smells almost like Syrah blood. Dense ruby/purple, super-rich, it is slightly more velvety-textured than the Bien Nacido. Both sweetness and tannins are present in this seductive wine, which is full-bodied and rich, with loads of black fruits, earth, spice, camphor, and floral notes. It is a brilliant Syrah, but at present, I give the Bien Nacido a slight edge. This is certainly a beautiful wine, and should anyone have the chance to buy it, “Don’t think twice.” Flawless, seamless, with brilliant sweet blackberry and cassis fruit, this is a beauty to drink over the next 10-15+ years.

2008 Syrah, Verna’s Vineyard – 94 points
Black raspberry, black cherry, camphor, and subtle smoke jump from the glass of the Syrah Verna’s Vineyard. Complex aromatics are followed by a powerful, full-bodied wine with everything going the right way. The floral notes, the blue, black, and red fruits, the full-bodied mouthfeel, the unctuosity of the texture, and the rich, seamless integration of all the components are very special in this brilliant, full-throttle Syrah. It should be drunk over the next decade. The finish is 40 seconds plus.

2008 Syrah, Larner Vineyard – 93 points
The outstanding, dense ruby/purple-tinged 2008 Syrah Larner Vineyard is brilliant. Tasting like a California version of a rich, concentrated Crozes-Hermitage from the northern Rhone, it offers up scents of tapenade, creme de cassis, licorice, pepper, and meat juices. Full-bodied with loads of fruit as well as impressive complexity, it should drink well for 7-8+ years.

2008 Syrah, Thompson Vineyard – 92+ points
Similar but more opaque ruby/purple color and sweet, intensive spring flowers intermixed with blueberry and blackberry fruit. Compared to the Ampelos, this wine cuts a broader, richer feel across the palate. It has good freshness, purity, and balance, a big, beefy mid-palate, and a long finish. This is an earthy, personality-filled, individualistic Syrah to drink over the next decade or more.

2008 Syrah, Ampelos Vineyard – 90 points
Opaque ruby/purple in color, the 2008 Syrah Ampelos Vineyard, from the cool-climate Santa Rita Hills region, displays wonderful floral, blackberry, charcoal, and camphor notes, with some background earth and spice. Rich and chewy, full-bodied, and loaded, this is a big, back-strapping Syrah that will benefit from another year or two of bottle age. It should keep for 10-12+ years.

2008 Petite Sirah – 94 points
An incredible blockbuster, connoisseurs should be purchasing the 2008 Petite Sirah Thompson Vineyard and following its evolution over the next two decades. One of the most profound Petite Sirahs I have tasted from this vintage, this opaque purple-colored effort boasts notes of spring flowers, licorice, blueberries, blackberries, incense, and camphor. Possessing sweet tannins, a packed and stacked personality, and a 45-second finish, it can be approached now or drunk with pleasure over the next 20 years.

2008 Grenache – 88 Points
Jaffurs has done a fine job with his 2008 Grenache. Medium/dark ruby, with a classic kirsch liqueur nose and hints of licorice and spice, the wine is generous, rich, slightly rustic by Jaffurs’ standards, but seductive and medium to full-bodied. It reminds me of a French Cotes du Rhone. Drink it over the next 2-3 years.

2007 Wines

Wine Spectator Magazine, Wine Spectator

Syrah Santa Barbara County 2007, 94 Points

JAFFURS Syrah Santa Barbara County Verna's Vineyard 2007 Score: 92, Fragrant floral, dark berry, wild berry and boysenberry fruit is intense, focused, pure and persistent. Full-bodied, with a long finish that echoes mineral and spice. Drink now through 2015. 340 cases made. —J.L.

JAFFURS Syrah Santa Barbara County Bien Nacido Vineyard 2007 Score: 94, Pure, rich and intense, a big, ripe but polished offering with loads of spicy dark berry, boysenberry and huckleberry fruit that turns supple, ending with a lingering finish. Drink now through 2015. 190 cases made. —J.L.

JAFFURS Syrah Santa Barbara County, Larner Vineyard 2007 Score: 91 Points

JAFFURS Syrah Sta Rits Hills, Ampelos Vineyard 2007 Score: 91 Points

JAFFURS Syrah Santa Barbara County, UPSLOPE 2007 Score: 94 Points

Jaffurs Petite Sirah, Santa Barbara County, Thompson Vineyard 2007, Score 91 Points. A ripe core of blackberry and huckleberry notes have great concentration, with vivid white pepper highlights and powerful tannins. The flavors persist on the long finish. Drink now through 2015. -M.W.

Robert Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate

JAFFURS Syrah Santa Barbara County, Larner Vineyard 2007 Score: 92+ Points

JAFFURS Syrah Sta Rits Hills, Ampelos Vineyard 2007 Score: 89 Points

JAFFURS Syrah Santa Barbara County, Bien Nacido Vineyard 2007 Score: 96 Points

JAFFURS Syrah Santa Barbara County, Verna's Vineyard 2007 Score: 91 Points

JAFFURS Syrah Sta Rits Hills, Thompson Vineyard 2007 Score: 93 Points

JAFFURS Petite Sirah Santa Barbara County, Thompson Vineyard, 2007 Score: 93 Points

2006 Wines

Wine Spectator Magazine, Wine Spectator

Syrah Santa Barbara County Bien Nacido Vineyard 2006, 89 points

Syrah Santa Barbara County Thompson Vineyard 2006, 91 points

Syrah Sta. Rita Hills Ampelos Vineyard 2006, 92 points

2006 JAFFURS Syrah Santa Barbara County Verna's Vineyard 2006 (94 points)
Rich, dense and concentrated, with loads of white and black pepper, vivid wild berry and blackberry flavors and subtle touches of spice, mineral and sage, giving a savory quality and a long, complex finish. Drink now through 2012. 250 cases made. —J.L.

Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

2006 Jaffurs Wine Cellars Roussanne Santa Barbara County (89 points)
Medium gold. Melon, floral honey and candied lemon on the nose, with a light dusting of minerals adding vivacity. Fleshy honeydew and poached pear flavors slowly tighten up on the finish, which offers very good depth and clarity. Nothing dry or firm about this.

2006 Jaffurs Wine Cellars Viognier Santa Barbara County
(90 points)
Green-gold. Fresh white peach and poached pear aromas are complicated by white flowers, mint and lively minerality. Bright and tangy, with energetic citrus and pit fruit flavors and a pleasingly bitter quinine bite on the close. A refreshingly dry and sharply focused viognier that finishes with excellent clarity and grip.

2006 Jaffurs Wine Cellars Grenache Santa Barbara County
90 (?+) points.
Ruby -red. Deep kirsch and blackcurrant aromas are given an exotic character by licorice, graphite and hot asphalt. Youthfully taut yet strikingly deep in its sweet, luscious dark berry preserve flavors. Finishes with gentle tannins and a numbing white pepper quality that builds on the aftertaste Pretty impressive, and pretty young too. Hands off.

2006 Jaffurs Wine Cellars Syrah Santa Barbara County
90 points.
Dark purple. Extremely fragrant nose offers deep blackberry, candied plum and cracked pepper scents along with subtle floral and mineral qualities. Pliant dark berry flavors are firmed by gentle tannins and develop a sexy anise quality on the finish, which offers excellent clarity and cling Th is is impressively complex for its price.

2005 Wines

Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

2005 Jaffurs Wine Cellars Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Barbara County 87? points
Bright ruby. Fresh cassis and dark cherry scents are brightened by graphite and licorice. Firm dark berry flavors are sweet and lightly scotch-like finishing with good grip and persistence. The oak influence grew with air, making me wonder if the fruit will be able to keep up.

2005 Jaffurs Wine Cellars Syrah Thompson Vineyard Santa Barbara County 91(+?) points
Inky ruby. Assertively perfumed, classic syrah bouquet of cassis, kirsch, candied violet, tobacco and subtle vanilla. Youthfully firm dark berry flavors are impressively deep, showing a slow-mounting sweetness and building tannins. Repeats the floral and vanilla character on the long, spicy finish. Very impressive.

2005 Jaffurs Wine Cellars Syrah Verna's Vineyard Santa Barbara County 91 points
Deep, bright-hued ruby. Fragrant red and dark berries on the nose, with sexy floral and spice qualities adding an exotic character. Fleshy, sweet blackcurrant and salty olive tapenade flavors are supported by supple tannins; finishes with impressive sweet persistence. Very suave wine, combining the best qualities of New and Old World syrah in a seamless, velvety package.

2005 Jaffurs Wine Cellars Syrah Upslope Santa Barbara County 92 points
Dense ruby. Powerfully scented nose offers sexy cassis, mulberry, roasted meat, violet and graphite scents that strongly suggest the northern Rhone. Broad and concentrated but fresh too, with energetic dark berry preserve flavors, silky tannins and suave oak spices building through the finish. Became chewier with air but maintained sweetness and pliancy. This packs a serious flavor punch but is also impressively balanced and pure.

Wine Spectator Magazine, Wine Spectator

Jaffurs Syrah Santa Barbara County Bien Nacido Vineyard 2005. 91 points
Rich and intense, with complex pepper, spice, wild berry and dusty sage flavors that are focused and persistent, ending with supple tannins. Drink now through 2012.—J.L.

Jaffurs Syrah Sta. Rita Hills Ampelos Vineyard 2005. 92 points.
Rich, intense and polished, with a wonderful purity of fruit. Layers of blueberry, wild berry and huckleberry flavors are focused, smooth and long on the finish, with ripe, supple tannins. Drink now through 2012.—J.L.

San Francisco Chronicle

Jaffurs 2005 Santa Barbara County Grenache selected as one of the Best 100 Wines for 2007

Wine Spectator

Jaffurs 2005 Santa Barbara County Syrah

90 points “Well-crafted, with ripe, rich fruit, lots of complex flavors, and a sleek finish. Shows off ripe berry, currant, and blueberry, with hints of smoke, sage, and lavender. The tannins are big, ripe, and plush. Drink now through 2012.” 1,164 cases made - JL

Jaffurs 2005 Thompson Vineyard Petite Sirah

93 points “Smooth and supple, with a seductive edge to the plum, blueberry and huckleberry fruit. Offers a delicious range of flavors, and given its size, the tannins are ripe and supple. Drink now through 2012.” 393 cases made.

 

2004 Wines

Wine Spectator

Jaffurs 2004 Ampelos Vineyard Syrah

92 points - “Big, rich and expressive, with ripe, vivid, intense wild berry and blackberry that, for all of its size and density, is remarkably supple and smooth-textured. Finishes with mocha and espresso bean notes. My favorite of the new Jaffurs Syrahs. Drink now through 2011.” 74 cases made - JL

Robert Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate

2004 Syrah, Ampelos Vineyard – 91 Points
A big wine, the inky/blue/purple-tinged 2004 Syrah Ampelos Vineyard reveals plenty of black currant and black cherry fruit along with smoky, graphite notes, nicely integrated oak, terrific full-bodied intensity, and a long, heady finish. Consume it over the next 7-8 years.

2004 Syrah, Santa Barbara County – 90 Points
A good value, the 2004 Syrah Santa Barbara exhibits an opaque blue/purple color along with a gorgeous bouquet of smoked meats, blackberries, and blue fruits, wonderful density, an opulent/voluptuous texture, and deep, richly fruity flavors that reveal no hard edges. This realistically priced, knock-out Syrah should drink well for 3-4 years.

Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

2004 Viognier Santa Barbara County
($23): Full straw color. Exotic aromas of orange peel and honey, with a hint of toffee. Sweet and supple, with orange blossoms and spice flavors framed by clean acidity. Finishes lemony, spicy, fresh.
88 points

2004 Syrah Bien Nacido Santa Barbara County
($30) Saturated black-ruby to the rim. Highly aromatic nose offers crystallized blackberry and blackcurrant, licorice, black pepper and spicy oak. Sweet, dense, seamless and rich, with deep dark berry flavors that linger impressively on the back. The tannins of this fruit bomb began rather fine but turned tougher, even a bit gritty, with aeration, and I lowered my initial score. But this is impressive. 91 points

2004 Syrah Upslope Santa Barbara County
($75; a special blend made from the Thompson, Melville and Bien Nacido vineyards) Deep ruby. Liqueur-like aromas of blackcurrant, chocolate, maple syrup and black olive. Dense, thick and sweet, with somewhat exotic, gamey flavors brightened by ripe acidity. Very full, broad, accessible syrah that coats the entire mouth. Finishes ripe and long, with enticing sweetness. Very easy to drink. 92 points

2004 Syrah Santa Barbara County
($24) Deep ruby. Musky aromas of black fruits, gunflint, meat and espresso.
Sweet, chewy flavors of dark berries, meat and mocha, with some funky reductive qualities. Finishes with slightly rough tannins. 88 points

2004 Syrah Verna's Vyrd Santa Barbara County
($38) Deep red. Liqueur-like aromas of dark cherry, chocolate, smoked meat and maple syrup; grew oakier as it opened in the glass. Concentrated and superripe in the mouth, but with a sappy quality and good peppery lift to the rich flavors of black raspberry, smoked meat, maple syrup and spices.
Rather high-toned finish features substantial dusty tannins. No shortage of personality here. 90 points

2004 Syrah Thompson Vyrd Santa Barbara County
($34) Deep, saturated ruby. Liqueur-like candied berries, dark chocolate and maple syrup on the nose. Dense, supple and primary, with sound acids framing the flavors of kirsch and blueberry. Tannins are a bit youthfully tough, but this wine would appear to have the structure and material to merit a few years of patience. 89 points

2004 Syrah Ampelos Vyrd, Sta. Rita Hills
($42) Deep, saturated ruby. Wild aromas of blackberry, blueberry, flowers and game. Sweet, lush and suave in the mouth, with superconcentrated fruit showing an almost liqueur-like ripeness. Very dense and very sweet syrah, finishing long and ripely tannic. 91 points

2003 Wines

Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

2003 Grenache, Stolpman Vineyard
($28) Dark ruby red. Reduced nose hints at smoke and pepper. A very lush, concentrate, tactile Grenache with real sappiness, Finishes with substantial building , dusty tannins and lingering sweetness. 91 points

2003 Syrah , Larner Vineyard
($34) Ruby-red. Perfumed aromas of raspberries, bacon fat. Smoked meat, violet and lavender; this could be mistaken for Côte Rotie. Silky on entry, then restrained in the mid-palate and a bit lean on the back, with flavors of dusty dark cherries, bacon fat, pepper, and brown spice. Finishes with dusty tannins. This doesn’t quite deliver on its 93-point nose but offers considerable complexity. 90 points

2003 Syrah, Santa Barbara County
($23) Ruby red. Nuanced nose offers bright cherry licorice and dark chocolate, gunflint and brown spices; grew brighter with aeration. Juicy and lively if not particularly dense, with enticing flavors of dark berries, mint and musky espresso. Finishes with some sweet oak. A very successful, nicely balanced basic syrah release. 89 points

2003 Syrah, Thompson Vineyard Santa Barbara County
($34) Medium ruby. Subdued but pure aromas of plum, dark raspberries and smoke meat, mocha and spicy, chocolaty oak. Sweet, generous and concentrated, with sound acidity giving it good life in the mouth. The sappy, almost medicinal black cherry, dark berry and licorice flavors show lovely creaminess for a wine so primary. Rich, pliant syrah, finishing with firm, sweet, building tannins and very good length and verve. 90(+?) points

2003 Syrah, Melville Vineyard
($38) Bright, dark medium ruby. Pure aromas of blackberries, kirsch, and violet. At once silky and juicy, with fresh, nicely delineated flavors of dark berries, pepper, and licorice. Subtle mint and floral elements add to the wine’s appeal. Not a fat syrah but has intensity, flavor impact and structure. Here there’s little sign of the 14.8% alcohol. 91 points

2003 Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard
($30) Dark ruby. Aromas of black cherry, blueberry, blackberry and biter chocolate, lifted by a floral nuance. Sweet, high-toned and strong, with oncentrated fruit flavors nicely framed by harmonious acidity. Finishes with broad, chewy tannins. 89 points

2003 Syrah, UPSLOPE Santa Barbara County
($75; a blend of fruit from Bien Nacido, Thompson and Melville Vineyards; 14.9% alcohol): Bright ruby. Vibrant blackberry and violet aromas. Densely packed, juicy and bright, with pristine, impressively concentrated dark berry and black cherry flavors nicely complemented by sweet oak. harply delineated, primary and sweet, with rare flavor definition for a thoroughly ripe California syrah. The strong fruit lingers long on the finish, with some exotic oak tones emerging with aeration. 92 points

Robert Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate

2003 Syrah, Melville Vineyard - 94 Points
My favorite offering here is the opaque purple-colored 2003 Syrah Melville Vineyard, a superbconcoction of black, blue, and red fruit, camphor, and acacia flower aromas. Full-bodied with multiple layers of flavor yet neither heavy nor overripe, this beauty possesses terrific fruit intensity as well as a spectacular finish. It should drink well for 6-10 years or longer.

2003 Syrah, Thompson Vineyard – 91 Points
The dense ruby/purple-hued 2003 Syrah Thompson Vineyard offers white chocolate, espresso roast, and cassis aromas, supple, creamy, chocolaty, lack cherry, and cassis flavors, plenty of glycerin, and less alcohol than some of its siblings. Luscious and heady, it should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 7-8 years.

2003 Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard – 93 Points
Looking like motor oil on a moonless night, the 2003 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard reveals notions of graphite, creme de cassis, blackberry liqueur, licorice, and olives. Deep, rich, full-bodied, seamless, pure, powerful yet supple flavors coat he palate. Like its siblings, it is a tour de force in winemaking from Craig Jaffurs. Drink the Bien Nacido cuvee over the next 7- 8 years.

Wine Enthusiast

91 Points Editor's Choice, Jaffurs 2003 Melville Vineyard Syrah

89 Points Jaffurs 2003 Thompson Vineyard Syrah

89 Points Jaffurs 2003 Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah

88 Points Jaffurs 2003 Syrah, Santa Barbara County

2002 Wines

JAFFURS  2002 Viognier, Santa Barbara County
"...preserves its intense fruitiness,... brims with delicious flavors of ripe mango and guava, nectarine, pineapple, and vanilla.... beautiful stuff..."
  Score 91 Points , The Wine Enthusiast

Robert Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate

2002 Jaffurs Syrah, Santa Barbara County, 88 points
“A fine effort revealing notes of herbaceous-tinged cassis and blackberry fruit as well as notions of toasty oak and earth in a feminine, well-made style with good complexity, balance, and harmony.”

2002 Jaffurs Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard, 89 points
“…the most potent (of the Jaffurs Syrahs). It exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as a notion of animal fur intermixed with black fruits, Asian spices, and wood. Medium-bodied, with elegant, crisp acids buttressing its black current and cherry fruit, this firm, well-delineated 2002 is ideal for drinking over the next 5-6 years.”

2002 Jaffurs Syrah, Thompson Vineyard, 88 points
“The deep ruby/purple colored Thompson reveals more new oak (which should ultimately be absorbed) than its siblings along with medium body, a tight knit style, and hints of cedar, chocolate, black currant, licorice, and pepper. Give it another 1-2 years of cellaring and consume it over the next 7-8 years.”

2002 Jaffurs Syrah, Melville Vineyard, 90 points
“Its saturated blue/purple/black color is accompanied by classic aromas of bacon fat and crème de cassis. The provocative aromatics lead to a tightly knit, medium to full- bodied Syrah possessing superb ripeness, purity and richness. It too requires 1-2 years of bottle age and should keep for a decade or more.”

2002 Jaffurs Syrah, Stolpman Vineyard, 89 points
“The most luscious aromatics emerge from the Stolpman Vineyard Syrah. This dense, ruby/purple colored effort exhibits complex scents of Asian spices, acacia flowers, blackberries, and currents. On the palate, it is layered, medium bodied, elegant, pure, and impressive. Drink it over the next 5-7 years.”

2001 Wines

Robert Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate

JAFFURS  2001 Syrah, Thompson Vineyard
"... saturated ruby/purple color... layered flavors of blackberry and cherry... Provincal hebs..."
Score 89+ Points

JAFFURS  2001 Syrah, Melville Vineyard
"...profound aromatics,...acacia flowers, blabkberries,and cassis liqueur....opulent Syrah ...in a multipayered, powerful, concentrated style."
Score 91+ Points

JAFFURS  2001 Syrah, Stolpman Vineyard
" Tremendous fruit intensity and overall opulence and seamlessness.  Deep ruby/purple...  pure and delineated , with loads of jammy blackberry and cassis flavors,... sexy... "
Score 92 Points

JAFFURS  2001 Grenache, Stolpman Vineyard
" ...seductive, heady Grenache posses a medium ruby color as wwell as a gorgeous nose reminiscent of a Christmas gift shoop...this is sexy stuff."
Score 87 Points

JAFFURS 2001 Syrah, Santa Barbara County 
" ...outstanding 2001 Syrah's deep color is accompanied by big, sweet aromas of black cherries, blackberries, pepper, compost, and smoke... it is an excellent bargain fro a Syrah of this class."
Score 90 Points

 

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

JAFFURS  2001 Syrah, Thompson Vineyard
"bitter chocolate and mint,..., excellent persistence..."
Score 90(+) Points

JAFFURS  2001 Syrah, Melville Vineyard
"boysenberry, liquors, tar,... good thrust..."
Score 88 Points

JAFFURS  2001 Syrah, Stolpman Vineyard
" ...very ripe, a  coulis of black fruit lifted by a peppery quality..."
Score 90 Points

JAFFURS  2001 Grenache, Stolpman Vineyard
" ... complex nose,... spicy strawberry,... fairly structured..."
Score 90 Points

JAFFURS  2001 Syrah, Santa Barbara County 
" ...tightly wound fruit bomb with restrained sweetness..."
Score 90 Points , Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

2000 Wines

JAFFURS  2000 Syrah, Thompson Vineyard
Exceptional purity and density,... another blockbuster effort..., Score 90 Points , The Wine Advocate

JAFFURS  2000 Syrah, Melville Vineyard
Opulent, sexy, full bodied..., Score 90 Points , The Wine Advocate

JAFFURS  2000 Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard
dark...spicy...seductive, fleshy..., Score 90 Points , The Wine Advocate

JAFFURS  2000 Syrah, Stolpman Vineyard
black current and cherry fruit..., Score 87 Points , The Wine Advocate

JAFFURS  2000 Viognier, Santa Barbara County  Exotic fruite,... pure, with excellent balance..., Score 88 Points , The Wine Advocate

1999 Wines

JAFFURS  1999 Syrah, Thompson Vineyard
Score 91 Points 
This small winery in Santa Barbara County specializes in tiny lots of vineyard designated, Rh(TM)ne-inspired wines. The 1999 Thompson Vineyard is the star among three new Syrah releases, but don't be disappointed if you find one of the others, as the three wines are more alike than different. Owner-winemaker Craig Jaffurs' sense of varietal expression comes through in each of these rich berry-, spice- and mineral-scented wines. The Thompson Vineyard bottling is the most tannic and complex, a generous mouthful of chewy berries. Wine Spectator/James Laube's  HOT Wines.  Week of 1/26/2001 on WINESPECTATOR.COM 

JAFFURS  1999 Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard
Score 90 Points
Rich and spicy, with good depth to the black cherry, raspberry, chocolate and sandalwood tones. The tannins and acid provide plenty of structure. Drink now through 2008.  Wine Spectator May 15, 2001.

JAFFURS  1999 Syrah, Stolpman Vineyard
Score 88 Points
Firm and structured, with black cherry, black currant, herb and subtle spice tones. Could use some food and time to lose the harder edges. Best from 2002 through 2007.  Wine Spectator May 15, 2001.

JAFFURS  1999 Syrah, Santa Barbara County
Score 88 Points
Intense and streamlined, with smoky game meat, roasted herb, spice and cocoa flavors. Firm, lean tannins linger with the spice and berry notes in the finish. Best from 2002 through 2007.   Wine Spectator May 15, 2001.

1998 and 1997 Wines

1998 SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, 4 1/2 stars
1998 BIEN NACIDO VINEYARD, 5 stars.
Two of the USA's best Syrahs.  The Santa Barbara bottling (1,200 cases) is full bodied and rich, tasting of ripe berries, clove, pepper, and mild new oak; the Bien Nacido (300 cases) is riper and richer, a fleshy, powerful Syrah, with intense fruit-and-spice character (black raspberry, clove, black pepper), and overtones of toast and milk.  Mildly tannic finish.  [2001-2003]  Ronn Wiegand, Issue 76 of Restaurant Wine.

1998 SANTA BARBARA COUNTY,  four stars
A fine Viognier: full and ripe, tasting of apples and honeysuckle, with peppery overtones.  Long finish. Ronn Wiegand, Issue 76 of Restaurant Wine:

1998 SYRAH BIEN NACIDO VINEYARD, 92 Points.  Winemaker Craig Jaffurs has fashioned a very exciting syrah from an enclave rapidly making its name with this grape.  Very deep colour with lush, fragrant nose of ripe black cherry, vanilla and classic syrah smoked meat and charcoal.  Quite full, intense and well centered with tartish acid carrying the finish.  Well integrated if young tannin.  Excellent to outstanding length. Canada's Wine Access, June 2000.

1998 Syrah Thompson Vineyard Santa Barbara County:  Ruby-red.  Highly aromatic nose combines black raspberry, bacon fat, dark chocolate, black cardamom, mace, and nutmeg.  Juicy red berry and gunpowder flavors offer excellent intensity and grip.  Complicating notes of game, pepper and Christmas spices.  Finishes quite firm but with sweet tannins and very good persistence.  Very complex, medium bodied syrah with the structure to develop in bottle.  90 points.  Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 2000.

1998 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Barbara County: Bright saturated ruby-red.  Perfumed, vibrant, complex aromas of blackberry, violet, lavender face powder and black pepper;  smells like Hermitage.  Silky, dense and concentrated, with strong acids giving the sappy berry and spice flavors excellent clarity.  As bright and youthful as it is, it?fs also broad and pliant.  Finishes with nicely integrated tannins and lingering berry and exotic spice flavors.  Superb California Syrah.   92 points  Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 2000.

1998  Grenache Stolpman Family Vineyard Santa Barbara County:  Medium red. Spicy aromas of strawberry, red currant and mint.  Not especially fleshy or complex but offers good flavor intensity and brisk acidity.  Finishes dry but not hard.  Should make a good food wine.  86 points.  Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 2000. 

1998 Syrah Santa Barbara County:  Medium ruby-red.  Nuanced nose of black raspberry, strawberry, cocoa powder and fresh herbs.  Fresh, bright and intensely flavored, with current and raspberry fruit that seemed to deepen as the wine opened in the glass.  Finishes long and quite firm, with bright acidity and slightly drying tannins.  Good snappy syrah.   88 points.   Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 2000.

1998 Santa Barbara County Syrah - 2 puffs (that's really good) -  Simply bursting with sweet optimally ripened berries in both its carefully oaked aromas and its squeaky clean, lightly spicy flavors, this neatly proportioned Syrah wins acclaim for its vibrancy and pristine fruit.  Medium-full-bodied, slightly supple and quite long on the palate, it should continue to grow for three or four years.  Connoisseur's Guide, May 2000. 

1997 Syrah Stolpman Family Vineyard Santa Barbara County:  Ruby-red.  Brambly, zin-like aromas of raspberry, pomegranate, strawberry, wood smoke and spicy oak.   Juicy and firm, yet supple, with moderate flesh.  Still quite unevolved.  Rather bracing finish features ripe tannins and a suggestion of smoked meat.  88(+?) points.  Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 2000.

1997 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Barbara County: Bright saturated ruby. Superripe, slightly roasted aromas of dark berries, woodsmoke, steak sauce and truffle; showed a complex animal/vegetal/mineral aspect that reminded me of a Cape Mantelle syrah. Sweet and lush, with slightly tart-edged, nicely delineated flavors of blackberry, pomegranate, and roasted meat with A-l steak sauce. The charred woodsmoke character carries through in the mouth. Finishes peppery, firm and persistent. (90(+?) Points) - Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 1999. 

1997 Syrah Thompson Vineyard Santa Barbara County (14.2% alcohol, vs. 14% for the other two '97 syrahs): Saturated ruby. Superripe, deeply smoky aromas of black raspberry and bacon fat; primary fruit overwhelms the wine's oakiness. Dense, ripe. full and sweet in the mouth, but the urgent berry and violet flavors are impressively vibrant. Finishes with explosive peppery flavor and very suave tannin. Superb California syrah- but only 48 cases were made. (92 Points)- Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 1999. 

1997 Syrah Santa Barbara County: Saturated ruby-red. Complex aromas of raspberry, leather, mocha, iron and flowers. Slightly bound-up, high-pitched flavors of tart berries began rather ungiving but softened up quickly. Perhaps not as complex as the two following single-vineyard syrahs, but sappy and supple on the aftertate- (89 (+?) Points) - Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 1999. 

1997 Jaffurs Syrah Santa Barbara County, Score 89 Points, Ripe and juicy, with fleshy cherry, wild berry, plum and spice, plus subtle leather, mineral, sage and cedar notes. Long Finish. - The Wine Spectator, April 30, 1999. 

1997 Jaffurs Viognier Santa Barbara County, Score of two puffs (that's really great). If a little low keyed in its otherwise clean, fresh, vaguely oaky aromas, this weighty somewhat pallet-coating effort is long on richness in the mouth with well ripened fruit flavors of pear and lime, Neatly balanced by a trim bit of finishing acidity. The wine has good depth and overall density. Connoisseurs' Guide, October 1999.

1997 Santa Barbara County Cuvee; grenache and syrah, supplemented by 17% cabernet franc--and it works!); Bright deep red. Expressive floral/spicy nose combines raspberry, red currant, cranberry, clove and orange peel. Supple but shapely; conveys an impression of strong extract. Impressive innermouth complexity. Firm, brisk finish. Terrific value. (90 Points) - Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 1999.

1997 Mourvedre Stolpman Family Vineyard Santa Barbara County: Red-ruby. Nuanced, somewhat high-toned aromas of pungent red berries, iris, lead pencil. tree bark and leather. Juicy and quite dry in the mouth, with snappy, complex flavors of strawberry, blood orange, earth and Moroccan spices. Lovely inner-mouth florals. Finishes quite firm, even a bit hard-edged. Fascinating wine. (90 Points)- Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 1999.