SAMsARA Santa Barbara County Syrah-Grenache 2019
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Robert
Parker -
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Enthusiast
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Winemaker Notes
This crowd-pleasing wine hails from Zotovich and Jorian Hill Vineyards. Although the fruit notes are dense and expressive on the nose and palate, this wine has a racy acidity that creates a clean finish making your mouth water for another sip.
Blend: 55% Syrah, 45% Grenache
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Syrah/Grenache, matured for 20 months in neutral oak, is super drinkable! It has a medium ruby-purple color and loads of floral perfume plus exotic scents of apricot, blood orange and raspberry preserves. The medium-bodied palate is irresistible for its supple core of nuanced fruit, grainy, fresh frame and long, ultra spicy finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
This blend of 55% Syrah and 45% Grenache bursts onto the nose with candied, juicy aromas of cherry cola and violet, accented with a light streak of damp wood. Ashy tannins frame the sip, where lavender and pomegranate flavors get spiced up by pepper and sharp acidity.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
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.