SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

The 2018 Santa Barbara County Syrah combines fruit from five premium Syrah vineyards throughout Santa Barbara County. After blending trials, one barrel each of Grenache and Mourvèdre were added for aromatics and complexity. More than a sum of its parts, this wine exhibits cherry, plum and game aromatics. Full in the mouth, espresso and pepper flavors compliment the upfront fruit. Aged in neutral oak for 10 months, this Syrah is made to be approachable upon release, but can be cellared for several years.

Reviews

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.

2017 Syrah, Santa Barbara County

Vinous  92 Points ~ The 2017 Syrah (Santa Barbara County) is another gorgeous appellation-level wine from Jaffurs. Inky red/purplish berry fruit, black pepper, mint, lavender and licorice add aromatic nuance, but more than anything else, the 2017 is incredibly layered and detailed within its peer group. A dollop (8%) Grenache works well in rounding out the wine's balance. Drink 2020-2027. — Antonio Galloni

Jeb Dunnuck  92 Points ~ Always a great value, the 2017 Syrah Santa Barbara County checks in as a blend of 92% Syrah and 8% Grenache that was mostly destemmed and brought up all in neutral oak. A beautiful, cool-climate nose of blackberries, crushed violets, ground pepper, and hints of bouquet garni all flow to a medium-bodied Syrah that has bright acidity, a balanced, layered texture, and a great finish. This is far from the riper blockbusters of a decade ago and shines for its purity, elegant, and finesse. It's a beautiful wine as well as a great value. — Jeb Dunnuck

Wine Advocate  90 Points ~ The 2017 Syrah, which contains 8% Grenache, has a medium to deep ruby-purple color and nose of olive, cocoa powder, baked blueberries and black cherries, blackberry pie and a roasted coffee note. The palate is full-bodied with loads of baked black and blue fruits, with firm, chewy tannins and good freshness, finishing long and chocolaty. Drink date: 2020-2030. — Erin Brooks

2016 Syrah, Santa Barbara County

Jeb Dunnuck  92 Points ~ Leading off the Syrahs is the 2016 Syrah Santa Barbara County, a blend of 81% Syrah, 9% Petite Sirah, 5% Grenache, and the rest Mourvèdre, sourced from the Thompson, Larner, Kimsey and Bien Nacido vineyards. This cuvée is year in, year out a great value, and in 2016 it has loads of ripe berry fruits, peppery herbs, violets, and hints of bacon fat. Medium-bodied, soft and forward, it's a delicious Syrah that's well worth a case purchase. Maturity 2018-2024. — Jeb Dunnuck

Wine Spectator  92 Points ~ Refined and well-built, with heady blackberry, bacon fat and bitter chocolate flavors that take on richness toward polished tannins. Drink now through 2024. 1,200 cases made. — Tim Fish

Wine Enthusiast  90 Points  Editors’ Choice ~ Always one of the better priced red wines to come out of Santa Barbara each year, this vintage shows freshly pressed boysenberry, lilac, flowering rosemary and white pepper on the nose. Lively, energetic flavors of grape Jolly Rancher meet with pepper and herbs on the fresh palate. — Matt Kettmann

Vinous  90 Points ~ The 2016 Syrah is a terrific introduction to the Jaffurs wines. Dark cherry, plum, new leather, licorice, smoke and incense are all laced together in this attractive mid-weight wine. Pliant, open-knit and seductive, the 2016 has a lot to offer. A dollop (10%) of whole clusters adds gorgeous aromatics. Drink 2018-2024. — Antonio Galloni