2020 Love & Terroir "Ballard Canyon" Syrah
Ballard Canyon is regarded as one of the hallmark regions for Syrah in Santa Barbara and our interpretation features the highlights of what this area has to offer. The balance of dense, dark fruit and freshness on the palate showcase the cool nights and short pockets of sunshine bookended by the cool winds and fog coming off the Pacific ocean.
The vines enjoyed a warmer vintage that shows in the wine with a richness in fruit framed by the classic, savory elements that make Syrah so special. The wines were fermented with 75% whole clusters and aged in neutral french oak barrels. In the glass they show a core of dark fruit, think boysenberry meets black olive, and soft tannins. The wines have a small amount Grenache that add a freshness reminiscent of cranberries and tart red cherry. A truly exciting wine that is a wonderful accompaniment on the table now, but will also reward those with the patience to let it age. 130 cases produced
94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
"As to the red, the 2020 Syrah Ballard Canyon comes from a great region in the Santa Ynez Valley, and I believe it's all Syrah. It has a deep ruby/purple hue as well as a classy Syrah nose of peppery darker berry fruits, sandalwood, white pepper, and some gamey, meaty nuances. Reminding me of a terrific Cornas, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a pure, layered mouthfeel, polished tannins, and a great finish. It shows more exotic floral nuances with time in the glass, and it's a beautiful Syrah that has tons of character. Drink bottles any time over the coming decade." — Jeb Dunnuck
93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
“Thick aromas of berry, asphalt and mushroom-laden forest floor invite the nose into this bottling. The dense palate is tight in tannic framing, slowly allowing black peppercorn, tar and elderberry flavors to emerge. Drink now–2040” — Matt Kettmann
Ballard Canyon is regarded as one of the hallmark regions for Syrah in Santa Barbara and our interpretation features the highlights of what this area has to offer. The balance of dense, dark fruit and freshness on the palate showcase the cool nights and short pockets of sunshine bookended by the cool winds and fog coming off the Pacific ocean.
The vines enjoyed a warmer vintage that shows in the wine with a richness in fruit framed by the classic, savory elements that make Syrah so special. The wines were fermented with 75% whole clusters and aged in neutral french oak barrels. In the glass they show a core of dark fruit, think boysenberry meets black olive, and soft tannins. The wines have a small amount Grenache that add a freshness reminiscent of cranberries and tart red cherry. A truly exciting wine that is a wonderful accompaniment on the table now, but will also reward those with the patience to let it age. 130 cases produced
94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
"As to the red, the 2020 Syrah Ballard Canyon comes from a great region in the Santa Ynez Valley, and I believe it's all Syrah. It has a deep ruby/purple hue as well as a classy Syrah nose of peppery darker berry fruits, sandalwood, white pepper, and some gamey, meaty nuances. Reminding me of a terrific Cornas, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a pure, layered mouthfeel, polished tannins, and a great finish. It shows more exotic floral nuances with time in the glass, and it's a beautiful Syrah that has tons of character. Drink bottles any time over the coming decade." — Jeb Dunnuck
93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
“Thick aromas of berry, asphalt and mushroom-laden forest floor invite the nose into this bottling. The dense palate is tight in tannic framing, slowly allowing black peppercorn, tar and elderberry flavors to emerge. Drink now–2040” — Matt Kettmann
Ballard Canyon is regarded as one of the hallmark regions for Syrah in Santa Barbara and our interpretation features the highlights of what this area has to offer. The balance of dense, dark fruit and freshness on the palate showcase the cool nights and short pockets of sunshine bookended by the cool winds and fog coming off the Pacific ocean.
The vines enjoyed a warmer vintage that shows in the wine with a richness in fruit framed by the classic, savory elements that make Syrah so special. The wines were fermented with 75% whole clusters and aged in neutral french oak barrels. In the glass they show a core of dark fruit, think boysenberry meets black olive, and soft tannins. The wines have a small amount Grenache that add a freshness reminiscent of cranberries and tart red cherry. A truly exciting wine that is a wonderful accompaniment on the table now, but will also reward those with the patience to let it age. 130 cases produced
94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
"As to the red, the 2020 Syrah Ballard Canyon comes from a great region in the Santa Ynez Valley, and I believe it's all Syrah. It has a deep ruby/purple hue as well as a classy Syrah nose of peppery darker berry fruits, sandalwood, white pepper, and some gamey, meaty nuances. Reminding me of a terrific Cornas, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a pure, layered mouthfeel, polished tannins, and a great finish. It shows more exotic floral nuances with time in the glass, and it's a beautiful Syrah that has tons of character. Drink bottles any time over the coming decade." — Jeb Dunnuck
93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
“Thick aromas of berry, asphalt and mushroom-laden forest floor invite the nose into this bottling. The dense palate is tight in tannic framing, slowly allowing black peppercorn, tar and elderberry flavors to emerge. Drink now–2040” — Matt Kettmann