SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

The 2019 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. Showing red and blue fruits, crushed pepper, and mocha, this medium-bodied wine was mostly de-stemmed and aged in neutral oak for 10 months. A Syrah that is immediately appealing in its youth but can be cellared for several years.

Reviews

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.

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