$36/bottle under the original label
Year-over-year and without fail, this wine, under its original label of course, scores in the 90+point range from Jeb Dunnuck, Vinous.com, and The Wine Enthusiast. Combine the lesser-known yet increasingly recognized Ballard Canyon microclimate, the deft, seasoned winemaking team with roots in the area going back to the 90s, and the simple fact that their vineyard is a perfect southern-situated setting for a grape like Syrah and it is not hard to see why.
Normally $36/bottle from the source winery, now just $15/bottle.
Rhône Ranger fans rejoice; this is a fantastic expression of this grape from a lesser-known Santa Ynez Valley sub-appellation. Beautifully perfumed with the region's distinct blackberry-meets-cassis accented by licorice and violet florals. The entry is immediately uplifted and resonant without getting too rich; meaty dried fruit transitions to blackberry and peppercorn compote, accented with cocoa nibs against medium+ almost nervy acidity and crushed velvet tannin. The finish is still centered, waiting for some age to fully reveal itself, but at no loss for length and complexity - it’s all there waiting to unfurl. Overall, this is a beautifully balanced effort with excellent energy and vitality...sexy with elegantly deployed oak that elevates the fruit, never over-powering.
95% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah, 100% Ballard Canyon Estate
