2020 John Sebastiano Vineyard Syrah
2020 John Sebastiano Vineyard Syrah
New Release! A beautifully balanced cool-climate Syrah.
Description
The nose captivates with an array of dark fruit aromas including raspberry and plum, interwoven with notes of black pepper and an intriguing floral complexity. Subtle hints of cocoa and lavender add layers of depth. On the palate it showcases a medium to full body with a beautifully balanced acidity. Flavors of dark berries and red plums are complemented by well-integrated tannins, creating a silky texture. The finish is long and savory, marked by lingering notes of dark fruit, spice, and a touch of earthy minerality. This Syrah exemplifies elegance and complexity, embodying the varietal’s potential in a cooler growing environment. It is an exceptional choice for pairing with hearty dishes or enjoying on its own, with excellent aging potential over the next 5–10 years.
Vineyard Notes
John Sebastiano Vineyard, located at the eastern end of Sta. Rita Hills, is planted on steep hillsides with fine clay-loam soils. The vines struggle to ripen in the cool westerly marine winds, resulting in great concentration and dramatic aromas and flavors. The grapes for this wine came from Block 18C, planted to Clone 470 which originates from the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France.
Production Notes
Fast-paced and at times challenging, Sta Rita Hills’ 2020 vintage was spared from wildfire damage experienced in other areas of California and produced outstanding fruit. Harvest began slightly earlier than normal with our first Pinot Noir pick on August 24. By mid-September cooler temperatures had resumed and the ripening of Syrah slowed, allowing for excellent concentration of flavors. Grapes at John Sebastiano Vineyard were picked on October 2nd.
Winemaker Notes
This Syrah was crafted using an adaptation of Australian winemaking techniques focused on extraction early in the fermentation process, minimizing the risk of harsh tannins. The grapes were crushed into tanks and given a four-day cold soak. After fermentation the wine was pressed immediately and aged for 17 months in 16% new French oak barrels. The wine was racked off its lees after one year and returned to barrel, and ultimately bottled unfined and unfiltered on April 28th , 2022.
| Vintage |
2020 |
| Wine Style |
Red Wine |
| Varietal |
100% Syrah |
| Appellation |
Sta. Rita Hills |
| Acid |
6.8 g/l |
| PH |
3.79 |
| Alcohol % |
14.7 |
| Size |
750 ml |
