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2018 Syrah, Thompson Vineyard
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY | LOS ALAMOS VALLEY
The first Jaffurs Syrah was made from Thompson Vineyard in 1994, and we’re working in the same block to this day. The 2018 shows a savory character of sage and espresso, complimented with cherry fruit. Asian spice, cinnamon and plum round out the flavor profile. Finishes soft and long, with building tannins. Thompson can be enjoyed younger than our other vineyard designate Syrahs.
Reviews
Wine Enthusiast 93 Points ~ Snappy black-raspberry and boysenberry aromas are dusted in light licorice, black-pepper and pie-crust tones on the nose of this bottling. The palate is extremely complex, with a baked fruit core that's lifted by thyme and pepper, as acidity and herbs cut through the richness. — Matt Kettmann
Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points ~ The 2018 Syrah Thompson Vineyard (100% destemmed Syrah) offers more up-front blueberry and blackberry fruits as well as spring flowers, violets, and orange blossom-like aromas and flavors. This spicy, complex, peppery, medium to full-bodied Syrah has terrific balance, lots of ripe tannins, and outstanding length. Drink it over the coming 7-8 years, if not a decade. Maturity 2021-2030. — Jeb Dunnuck
Vinous 91 Points ~ The 2018 Syrah Thompson Vineyard is laced with sweet tobacco, cedar, mint, dried flowers, licorice and dried herbs. The 2018 was done entirely with destemmed fruit, and yet it shows very pretty savory notes. There is certainly plenty to like in this mid-weight offering. Drinking window 2023-2038. — Antonio Galloni
2017 Syrah, Thompson Vineyard
Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points ~ The 2017 Syrah Thompson Vineyard comes from a great site in Santa Barbara County and was all destemmed. It gives up a ripe, sexy bouquet of red and blue fruits, ground pepper, and violets, with just a touch of gaminess and bacon fat emerging with time in the glass. Nicely textured, medium to full-bodied, and concentrated, it's a ripe, powerful California Syrah to drink over the coming 7-8 years. Maturity 2020-2028. — Jeb Dunnuck
2016 Syrah, Thompson Vineyard
Wine Advocate 92 Points ~ Medium to deep ruby-purple in the glass, the 2016 Syrah Thompson Vineyard has a very pretty, broody nose of lilac and violet with sliced blueberries, plum, chocolate-covered cherries, turned earth, charcuterie and olive. Full-bodied, it packs in the nuanced black and blue fruits, with firm, chewy tannins and good freshness, finishing long. Yum! Drink date 2020-2032. — Erin Brooks
Vinous 93 Points ~ The 2016 Syrah Thompson Vineyard is dark, powerful and also quite inward, with big tannins that clamp down on the fruit. There is good depth and plenty of intensity but the 2016 is especially brooding in the early going. Time in the glass brings out an enticing array of red/purplish berry fruit, rose petal, lavender and spice, along with aromatic presence that grows over time. There is a lot to look forward to, but readers need to be patient. Drink 2021-2031. — Antonio Galloni
Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points ~ All destemmed and brought up in 40% new oak, the 2016 Syrah Thompson Vineyard comes from a great site in Santa Barbara County off Alisos Canyon road. Ripe cherries, black raspberries, mulberries, Asian spice, menthol, and peppery incense notes all emerge from the glass and it's medium to full-bodied, has a lush, rounded, sexy texture, no hard edges, and a great finish. Drink it any time over the coming decade. Maturity 2019-2029. — Jeb Dunnuck