THE STORY – SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SYRAH
I love it when my husband joins me in my quest for the perfect Central Coast Syrah. In addition to finding some right here in Monterey County, we can just venture south to find Paso Robles or Santa Barbara County Syrah. We acquired these wines by hunting deals through K&L Wine Merchants and enjoyed them at home. I’ve written before about Stolpman Vineyards and Beckmen Vineyards, so I encourage you to read about them here: Stolpman Delivers a World Class Experience and Wrapping Up our “Sideways” Tour with Beckmen Vineyards!
All three wines are written up below, but I will spend more of today’s post talking about Jaffurs Wine Cellars.
ABOUT JAFFURS WINE CELLARS:
“Jaffurs is dedicated to producing fine wine with a New World independence. For over two decades we have specialized in Rhône-style wines from the premier vineyards in Santa Barbara County. All wines are handcrafted at our winery in downtown Santa Barbara, California.”
“Jaffurs Wine Cellars is dedicated to producing great Rhône varietal wines with a New World independence. Our wines – Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Mourvedre, Viognier, and Roussanne – are among the best in the county. Founder Craig Jaffurs produced his first professional wines during the 1994 harvest. All of our wines are carefully made in small lots. Approximately 5,000 cases are produced each year. We work closely with our growers in the Santa Ynez, Ballard Canyon, Santa Rita Hills, Los Alamos, and Santa Maria regions. We limit vineyard yields and require that optimal farming practices are observed. All of our wines are crushed, pressed, cellared, and bottled in our Santa Barbara facility. Visit us for a glimpse of world class winemaking in the heart of the city. 2018 was our 25th harvest! …”
THE WINES: SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SYRAH
Today I’m bringing you 3 Santa Barbara County Syrahs. Winery notes come from their websites, unless otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone.
2020 Stolpman Vineyards Originals Syrah, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14.1% ABV, $40 (#1435)
Winemaker’s Notes: “The 2020 Originals impresses with its sheer scope: a vast spectrum from lifted to candied red fruit immediately enters into an exotic, forested wilderness. Meaty, smoky umami and sangre awaken the carnal appetite. All of these sensations thrust into overdrive while the wine is young and within a few years the forces will unite into one beautiful being. Certainly one of the most age-worthy wines from the heralded 2020 vintage, which makes sense, as it is the very last cuvee from 2020 to be released. ”
Wine Enthusiast – 97 points: “The 2020 vintage took this bottling from older vines to another level. Light game, plum paste, charred meat and white-pepper aromas lead into a palate of pure meat, roasted elderberry and woodsmoke. The richness is balanced by firm tannins. Drink now–2040.” — Matt Kettmann
My Review: Very dark in the glass. A delicious bouquet of blackberries, buttered popcorn, and dirt. Opened up into a full bodied, yet soft, smooth palate of crushed tart berries, plum and violets with a touch of alcohol on the finish. June and August 2024
2019 Jaffurs Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14.9% ABV, $55 (#1436)
Winemaker’s Notes: “Planted across two blocks up the hillsides overlooking Santa Maria Valley, Bien Nacido is our coolest-climate Syrah vineyard. The 2019 is a dark, full-bodied wine showing blackberry, black current, crushed pepper, and violet. Bright acidity and a supple mid-palate texture with mineral tension and a long, saline finish. This is a classic Bien Nacido Syrah that needs 2-3 years in bottle to show at its best and will easily age an additional 10.”
Wine Enthusiast – 94 points: “Tightly wound aromas of blackberry, dried beef, packed purple flowers, and light tar make for a dense though not overly ripe nose on this bottling from the historic vineyard. The wine is also dense and chalky on the palate, with black-fruit and blueberry flavors that are detailed in pepper, soy, and lavender. A comforting hit of vanilla shows on the finish.” — Matt Kettmann
My Review: Dark, rich garnet in the glass, almost purple. Bright crushed berries, rose petal and mocha on the nose. Tongue coating palate of cherry and berry with a complex, menthol finish with a touch of tobacco. This was pretty darn good! I’d like to visit this winery! April & September 2024
2017 Beckmen Vineyards Syrah, Purisima Mountain Vineyard, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14.7 ABV, $37 (#1437)
Winemaker’s Notes: “Dark chocolate, plum, blackberry, vanilla, black pepper, grilled meats, and game are hallmarks of Purisima Mountain Syrah.”
Wine Enthusiast – 93 points: “This is a classic expression of Ballard Canyon’s Goldilocks appeal, blending the rich potential of warmer-weather Syrah with cooler-climate freshness. Aromas of black cherry, fudge and even butterscotch lead to a palate were oaky caramel and cappuccino flavors are cut by crisp pepper spice.” — Matt Kettmann
My Review: Very dark in the glass. Blueberry on the nose. Dark and lean on the palate. I liked this wine, despite it not being as fruity as some of our Central Coast Syrahs. July 2024
THE TASTING ROOMS: SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SYRAH
Stolpman Vineyards Tasting Options: Reservations are required for tastings at the winery or at the Los Olivos Patio, which is open daily from 11am to 4pm. $25 Tasting Fee
Jaffurs Wine Cellars winery and tasting room is located at 819 E. Montecito St., Santa Barbara. Open Monday – Sunday 11am to 5:00pm t: (805) 962-7003, e: info@jaffurswine.com
Beckmen Vineyards: “A working vineyard. A country escape.Open Daily 11am – 5pm Our red barn winery, tasting decks, gazebos, and duck ponds overlooking the Thomas & Judith Beckmen Estate Vineyard provide an idyllic wine country setting for savoring our handcrafted wines. We invite you to join us for a wine tasting, vineyard and winery tour, bottle service at our gazebos, dock, or pondside lounge, or a private tour and wine tasting.”
© Decanting Monterey 2024
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