SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

The 2020 Santa Barbara County Syrah combines fruit from the four sites that we source our vineyard designate bottlings. After blending trials, a small amount of Petite Sirah and Grenache are added for complexity and aromatic lift. More than a sum of its parts, showing plum, cassis, white pepper, and herbes de Provence.  This medium-bodied wine was mostly de-stemmed and aged in neutral oak for 10 months. Juicy yet structured, a Syrah that is immediately appealing in its youth but can be cellared for several years.

Reviews

Vinous  92 points ~ The 2020 Syrah (Santa Barbara County) is dark, plush and super expressive right out of the gate. Black cherry, plum, mocha, licorice, cloves and incense are pushed forward. A touch of whole clusters, plus dollops of Petite Sirah and Grenache add layers of nuance. Vineyard sites are Bien Nacido, Larner, Thompson and Kimsey. In 2020, the appellation Syrah is a winner. Don't miss it. Drinking window 2024-2034. — Antonio Galloni

Wine Enthusiast  92 points Editors' Choice ~ This county blend gives a firm sense of the Jaffurs style, offering lovely aromas of lavender, blueberry, white pepper, and a touch of vanilla on the nose. The palate lands with a crisp plum and berry combo, riding a taut, linear line of acidity into a finish laced with fresh flowers and pepper dust. — Matt Kettmann

2019 Syrah, Santa Barbara County

Wine Enthusiast  93 Points Editors' Choice ~ This appellation blend always holds its own against the winery's single-vineyard expressions. Elegantly rich while fresh on the nose with blackberry sauce, lilac and savory pepper spice, it leads into a polished palate of smooth but firm tannins that frame the baked boysenberry, cardamom, mace and clove flavors. — Matt Kettmann

Jeb Dunnuck  90 Points ~ The 2019 Syrah (there's 8% Petite Sirah and 2% Grenache in the blend) is a perennial winner, and the 2019 doesn't disappoint. Offering a deep ruby/purple hue as well as classic Syrah notes of darker berry fruits, ground pepper, game, and violets, it's medium-bodied and has a juicy, elegant, lively texture, ripe tannins, and a good finish. It's more streamlined, elegant, and focused than usual, yet should keep for 5-7 years with no issues. Maturity: 2021-2028. — Jeb Dunnuck

2018 Syrah, Santa Barbara County

Jeb Dunnuck  92 Points ~ The 2018 Syrah Santa Barbara County reveals a dense purple color as well as impressive notes of blackberries, peppery herbs, smoked game, and spring flowers. Tasting like a great Saint-Joseph (or Cornas?), it's medium-bodied and has juicy acidity, terrific balance, and a great finish.  — Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous  93 Points ~ The 2018 Syrah (Santa Barbara County) is superb. Rich, deep and fleshy, this striking, absolutely delicious Syrah has so much to offer. Blueberry, violet, lavender, chocolate, spice, licorice, and black pepper capture the essence of cool-climate Syrah. The 2018 is an irresistible appellation-level wine that punches well above its weight. What a knock-out! Drinking window 2020-2030. — Antonio Galloni