2021 Rodney's Vineyard Syrah

Appellation

Santa Barbara County

Varietal

Syrah

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

James Suckling

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

100% Rodney's Vineyard (Blocks F3, J2, J1, F1, F2 & I) located on the Fess Parker home ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley

Barrel Aging

Aged 20 months in 100% French oak, of which 42% is new

Cooperage

Francois Freres, Ermitage, Mercurey, Sirugue, Gillet

Technical Data

Composition

95% Syrah, 5% Viognier

Alcohol %

14.3

Acidity

0.540 g/100mL

3.74

Harvest Brix

22.9-25.5

Harvest Date

10/7-10/18/21

Production

1,415 cases

Description

This Syrah is a rich, complex, full-bodied wine exhibiting layers of berry, cherry, cassis, clove, spice, earth, toast and smoke flavors. Enjoyable upon release, this wine will reward those with the patience to cellar it for 10 years or more.

Our single vineyard and small lot releases enable us to deliver some of our finest expressions of Syrah by concentrating on specific vineyards, clonal selections or techniques. Our estate vineyard, named in memory of Fess' late son-in-law, was planted in 1989 to predominantly Rhone varietal types. The wines from this vineyard have consistently been some of the most expressive and highly acclaimed in our portfolio.

Wine Critic Reviews

"...a blend from the best barrels in the cellar. It presents a more savory, earthy expression of Syrah than the appellation wine, with a dollop of 5% co-fermented Viognier that adds aromatic presence. The new oak is impeccably integrated." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous "Smoky black fruits, peppery herbs, violets, and subtle meaty, bouquet garni notes all emerge from the 2021 Syrah Rodney's Vineyard, a medium to full-bodied Syrah that has beautiful purity, a layered, elegant mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish." ~ Jeb Dunnuck "Charred black plum and vanilla aromas arise on the nose of this bottling. The palate is tarry at first, then slowly opens into toasted pecan, bacon fat and dark elderberry flavors, providing both savory and fruity components in harmony." ~ Wine Enthusiast "A meaty, toasty, ripe and rowdy wine that's full-bodied and appropriately tannic. It boasts blackberry jam, dried cherry, black pepper, roast beef and star anise flavors that fill the palate." ~ James Suckling