Lot 369 | 2021 Ballard Canyon-Santa Ynez Valley Syrah 750ml

Lot 369
2021 Ballard Canyon-Santa Ynez Valley Syrah

Ballard Canyon Estate Syrah: A Hidden Gem

Savor a wine consistently awarded 90+ points by renowned critics. Birthed in the Ballard Canyon microclimate, this Syrah emanates from a lineage of winemaking excellence tracing back to the 90s. It captivates with a harmonious blend of blackberry, cassis, and delicate floral undertones. Aged in predominantly French oak, its rich palette promises further depths with age. Originally priced at $36, it's now an irresistible steal at just $15/bottle. Experience the elegance of Santa Ynez Valley's finest, with only 400 cases available. Bottling set for February 2023.

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.

Original Label Price: $36/bottle | Special Offer: $15/bottle

Consistently celebrated with 90+ point ratings from the likes of Jeb Dunnuck, Vinous.com, and The Wine Enthusiast, this wine is a testament to its pedigree and the prestige of its origins. Sourced from the increasingly renowned Ballard Canyon microclimate, it benefits from the expertise of a seasoned winemaking team whose roots trace back to the 90s. The vineyard's southward orientation proves ideal for nurturing the Syrah grape to its full potential.

For aficionados of the Rhône Ranger style, here's a delightful embodiment of the grape, originating from a hidden gem within the Santa Ynez Valley. This wine entices with a bouquet that melds blackberry with cassis, delicately intertwined with hints of licorice and violet. On tasting, a symphony of flavors unfolds: from meaty dried fruit to blackberry-peppercorn compote, all punctuated with undertones of cocoa nibs. The medium+ acidity and crushed velvet tannin texture promise a rich experience. The finish, although hinting at further depths with age, already impresses with its length and intricacy. The judicious use of oak amplifies the fruit's character rather than overshadowing it, resulting in a wine that is both sensual and elegantly composed.

Details:

  • Grape Composition: 95% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah
  • Origin: 100% Ballard Canyon Estate
  • Production: Hand punch-downs in 1-ton fermenters
  • Aging: 100% BBL-aged, mainly French with a hint of American oak, including 40% new French oak
  • Alcohol Content: 14.8%
  • Availability: Limited 400 cases
  • Bottling: Scheduled for the first week of February 2023

Indulge in this beautifully balanced wine that is brimming with energy, vitality, and grace. Grab your bottle now at this unbeatable price!

Overall rating: 4.6829267 / 5 from 41 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

This Syrah wine offers excellent value at a reduced price, featuring a well-balanced flavor profile with distinct blackberry and cassis notes. The finish is smooth and complex, with a medium acidity and velvety tannins. It is a beautifully crafted wine from the Ballard Canyon microclimate, known for its high-quality Syrah.

Summary topics

  • Value for Money: 20%
  • Flavor Profile: 14%
  • Finish Quality: 14%

Review topics: ["flavor","value","juice","buy","wine","syrah","finish","fruit","qpr","notes","heat","case"].

Review highlights

  • "Very nice flavor with some florals, balanced, not over oaked, no heat, nice finish." — Jim A.
  • "DN Syrahs are an outstanding value." — KB
  • "Sipping smooth syrah simply sates my desires for a velvety glassful." — Stephen H.

Reviews

One of my favorite DN Syrah's.

"One of my favorite DN Syrah's. Very nice flavor with some florals, balanced, not over oaked, no heat, nice finish."

— Jim A. (5/5)

A go-to wine for anytime.

"This is a great value, this wine is perfect for casual gathering moments."

— Debra P. (5/5)

Quel che Syrah sarà

"My initial purchase from de Négoce was a selection of different reds, and the common note I’ve discovered is that all of their wines are really good and really well-priced, but they need more time in the bottle. Even with lengthy aeration, I get the sense that they are not fully ‘awake’. This Syrah offers a perfect example: every component of a first-rate wine is present, but all the parts haven’t yet come together as a whole. It’s prompting me to buy a case and just forget about it for 2-3 years."

— LA P. (4/5)

Excellent

"This was an excellent bottle of wine!"

— Kelli T. (5/5)

Lot 369 Syrah

"Good wine. Excellent QPR. Savory. Nice mouthfeel."

— Marc G. (5/5)

Hidden gem

"Ballard canyon is an area north of Santa Barbara producing stunning wines that typically fly under the radar. Well worth exploring!"

— Andreas S. (5/5)

Tastebuds singing

"Having tried several Syrah's, this one hit all the right notes. Preferring fuller bodied wines, this one met my standards!"

— Nancy B. (5/5)

Excellent everyday wine!

"Good value, good wine for everyday drinking!"

— Anthony G. (5/5)

sublime

"A mellow delicious grape juice. Goes well with a wide variety of foods. I started with some leftover lemon dill salmon and moved on to some steak and truffle mushroom gnocchi. This wine paired exceptionally with all."

— Laura D. (5/5)

A Syrah to remember

"A smooth Syrah that flows well and brings a taste of blackberry and subtle frutiness"

— Lyron B. (5/5)

Q&A