SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

The 2021 Santa Barbara County Syrah combines fruit from six top sites spanning the entire county. 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 and Herbes de Provence aromatics, with flavors of raspberry, mint and peppercorn. This medium-bodied wine was fermented with 18% stem-inclusion and aged in neutral oak for 10 months. A pure and fresh Syrah that is made to be approachable in its youth, but has the structure to cellar for some years to come.

Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck  93 points ~ Readers looking for a brilliant Syrah from the Central Coast that won't break the bank should jump on the 2021 Syrah, a pure, medium to full-bodied, complex, incredibly satisfying Syrah that hits all the right notes. Blackberries, bouquet garni, ground pepper, and hints of game all define the aromatics, and it has a sense of purity and class that makes you think it would sell for twice its going rate. It's terrific today yet should easily have 7-8 years of overall longevity. The blend is 85% Syrah, 9% Petite Sirah, and the rest Grenache, from the Bien Nacido, Thompson, Larner, Kimsey, and Donnachadh vineyards, that saw a splash of stems and 10 months in neutral barrels. Maturity 2023-2031. — Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous  92 points ~ The 2021 Syrah (Santa Barbara County) is fabulous. Rich, ample and forward, the 2021 offers up copious blue/purplish fruit, rose petal, lavender, mocha and sweet spice. A dollop of whole clusters (15%) add further layers of nuance. Soft, silky contours wrap it all together in style. Drinking window 2023-2029. — Antonio Galloni

2020 Syrah, Santa Barbara County

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