Groundwork 2020 Syrah Santa Barbara

Tasting Notes: Olallieberry, white pepper, cedar, green olive, cinnamon candied walnuts, chocolate dusted acai berries

Vineyard Notes: White Hawk (60%), Rancho Arroyo Grande (40%)

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points: “Another terrific effort is the Groundwork Syrah, which spent 15 months in neutral barrels. It has cool-climate notes of blackberries, ground pepper, sappy flowers, and hints of bacon fat. Medium-bodied, elegant, and juicy on the palate, it’s California’s answer to a top Saint Joseph.”

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points: “This label by Winemaker Curt Schalchlin might be one of the Central Coast’s best bang-for-the-buck bottlings on the market today. The Syrah impresses right away on the nose, with hints of nori wrap, soy, cracked pepper, and singed tobacco set against wild berry and dried thyme. The palate’s sizzling acidity carries flavors of fresh berry, fennel frond, and thyme-laced pepper.”