Ojai Vineyard 2018 Syrah, Santa Barbara County

In this 2018 bottling you see our cool vineyards flaunting the character of a cool vintage, too. After the fast harvests of the warm drought vintages before, we finally enjoyed a year where we could let the fruit hang and build character without worrying about a thing about balance. The assemblage here is strictly Syrah, and strictly from our coastal vineyards in northern Santa Barbara County.

The varietal fragrance is striking and pungent. The nose provides a complex profile of incense, suede leather, balsamic and violets, while a deep notion of mocha cherries and plum promises rich pleasure for the mouth. It works out that way, too. The palate is suave and easy, with front-loaded fruit that glides into savory notes of olive and peppery charcuterie. This wine is always one of our best bargains, but man this bottling is just thrillingly good Syrah for the price.

Vineyards/Blend: Bien Nacido 48.5%, John Sebastiano 27.8%, Cottonwood Canyon 17.2%, Duvarita 4%, Roll Ranch 2.5%