ALISOS CANYON AVA  |  SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

The first Jaffurs Syrah was made from Thompson Vineyard in 1994, and we’re working in the same block to this day. The 2020 shows floral aromatics with red fruit and tobacco leaf. Balanced and layered, with cherry, mulberry and a savory herbaceous quality, finishing with silky tannins. Our most elegant Vineyard Designate Syrah, this wine is showing great upon release, and will develop over 5-8 years.

Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck  96 points ~ Even better and from a great site in the Alisos Canyon region of Santa Barbara County, the 2020 Syrah Thompson Vineyard is darker purple/plum-hued and boasts a meaty, smoky, nutty bouquet of ripe red and black fruits, ground pepper, and cured meats. This carries to a ripe, medium to full-bodied, incredibly textured, seamless Syrah with polished tannins, a great mid-palate, and a gorgeous finish. It's a stunning Syrah that will evolve for 10-12 years. This was completely destemmed and spent 22 months in 38% new barrels. Maturity 2023-2035. — Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous  94 points ~ The 2020 Syrah Thompson Vineyard is bright, vibrant and full of character. Dark red
cherry/plum fruit, sweet spice, blood orange, rose petal, and spice are nicely pushed forward. There's a bit more new oak than in the other Syrahs, but that's a choice that works well for this fruit. The aromatic alone are beguiling. Drinking window  2023-2031. — Antonio Galloni

Wine Enthusiast  93 points ~ This is a very savory style of Syrah from a generally ripe vintage, offering peppercorn, asphalt and sage aromas against the richer elderberry-paste scent. The palate lands with prominent purple-fruit flavors that are immediately balanced by eucalyptus leaf, green sage and sansho pepper elements. — Matt Kettmann

2019 Syrah, Thompson Vineyard

Wine Enthusiast  92 points ~ Cassis and candied boysenberry aromas meet with lively lilac on the nose of this single-vineyard expression. The palate is vibrant with red cherry and strawberry, as chalk tannins rein in the juicy core. — Matt Kettmann

Jeb Dunnuck  91+ points ~ From a site in the Alisos Canyon, the 2019 Syrah Thompson Vineyard offers some classic Santa Barbara Syrah black and blue fruits as well as flowers, violets, and peppery nuances. It's medium-bodied, straight and focused on the palate, with the fresher, cooler style of the vintage front and center. — Jeb Dunnuck

2018 Syrah, Thompson Vineyard

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