Groundwork Syrah 2014
-
Parker
Robert
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Coming from some top sites, including White Hawk, Larner and Watch Hill, the 2014 Groundwork Syrah is rich, full-bodied and loaded with fruit. It probably has a touch of residual sugar, but it's beautifully textured, is as quaffable as they come and offers terrific notes of blackberries, pepper, caramelized meats and spice. Drink it over the coming couple of years.
Other Vintages
2020-
Wong
Wilfred
-
Dunnuck
Jeb -
Wong
Wilfred
-
Enthusiast
Wine -
Dunnuck
Jeb -
Wong
Wilfred
-
Wong
Wilfred -
Spectator
Wine
-
Wong
Wilfred
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
With a dry and mild climate cooled significantly by moist ocean fog and breezes, Santa Barbara County is a grape-grower’s dream. Part of the larger Central Coast appellation, Santa Barbara is home to Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. The conditions here provide an opportunity for nearly effortless production of high-quality cool-climate Central Coast wines. This is also the site of the 2004 film Sideways, which caused Pinot Noir’s popularity to skyrocket and brought new acclaim to the region.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the stars of Santa Barbara, producing wines marked by racy acidity. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and savory Syrah are also important. The region is home to many young and enthusiastic winemakers eager to experiment with less common varieties including Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Trousseau Gris, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, making it an exciting area to watch.