2021 Colson Canyon Syrah

Appellation

Santa Barbara County

Varietal

Syrah

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

100% Colson Canyon Vineyard (Block 2C) located in the Santa Maria Valley

Barrel Aging

100% Barrel Aged for 21 months in French oak, of which 29% were new

Cooperage

Mercurey

Technical Data

Composition

100% Syrah (Clone 877)

Alcohol %

14.9

Acidity

0.660 g/100mL

3.48

Harvest Brix

25.8

Harvest Date

10/12/21

Production

186 cases

Description

They say, “Syrah likes a view” because the best come from higher elevation vineyards with less soil, making the vines work harder, producing highly concentrated smaller grape clusters. Colson Canyon Vineyard fits the bill, with rocky soils overlooking the Santa Maria Valley’s eastern edge at a 1,400-foot elevation.

This is a big, bold red with loads of character. Layers of dark fruit aromas, violet, graphite and baking spices hit the nose right from the start. Dense and rich flavors of black plum, blackberry and dark chocolate combine with a hint of smoked meat coming through on the finish.

Pair the Colson Canyon Vineyard Syrah with bold foods. Try with a blue cheese burger, cassoulet or rosemary-crusted lamb tenderloin.

Wine Critic Reviews

"Dark and clean aromas of violets and black fruit draw the nose into this bottling from a rugged mountaintop vineyard located in a remote canyon north of the Santa Maria Valley. The palate is creamy, rich and smooth yet still edgy in tannins, as flavors of elderberry juice, lavender, lilac and pepper arise." ~ Wine Enthusiast "Juicy darker berries, smoked herbs, pepper, iron, and violet notes all define the 2021 Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard, another wonderfully balanced, pure, graceful wine in the lineup that has tons of character." ~ Jeb Dunnuck "...terrific. It shows all the character of this rugged mountain site. Red cherry, iron, gravel, spice and white pepper infuse the 2021 with striking complexity. There's plenty of character and layers here. The balance of fruit, stems and oak is superb." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous