Santa Barbara County
Cool climate syrah rules! This
organic and biodynamically grown vineyard planted near the town of
Lompoc produces our most exotic syrah. Some people thought you
couldn't grow syrah grapes west of the cool Santa Rita Hills
appellation but Doug Braun proved them wrong with his fabulous
vineyard near La Purisima Mission.
This fully ripened wine is a
powerhouse, but thanks to ever-present cool ocean breezes it
possesses a fine balance of concentrated cranberry fruit and lovely
peppery-ness. The striking flavors of plum, sandalwood and exotic
spices linger on the palate. This syrah’s tannins have mellowed
since bottling four years ago so it’s delicious now, and this
aromatic beauty will continue to age gracefully for at least ten
more years.
Some additional comments about this savory
wine!
Robert Parker’s Wine
Advocate #196 9/2011
The 2006 Syrah Presidio is super-impressive. An exciting array of
dark fruit, leather, spices and licorice emerges from the glass in
this vibrant, powerful wine. The Presidio possesses gorgeous depth
and complexity, with hints of tobacco, leather, licorice and cedar
that add further nuance on the muscular finish. Presidio is a
biodynamically farmed vineyard. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026.
Antonio Galloni--93
points.
Wine Spectator Insider 2/22/2012
Syrah Santa Barbara County Presidio Vineyard 2006
Doles out ripe dark berry and pepper in even doses, both structured
and well-balanced, with a finish that highlights the finer mineral
and spice nuances and underlying suppleness. Drink nowThrough
2022.—James.Laube. 92
points
Adam’s
comments
This is our second wine from Doug Braun's lovingly farmed
Presidio Vineyard. Doug has been making wine for years, and
recently found this property west of the Santa Rita Hills
appellation and planted it with organic and biodynamic growing in
mind from the start. His first crop was in 2004.
I find his vineyard compelling for a few reasons. First and
foremost is the cool climate. The lack of heat preserves the
distinct character of the grapes—and their struggle to ripen at
this windy site determines its unique personality. The vineyard is
situated on a gentle southerly slop, e, and the vines are planted
close together in very poor sandy soil. Doug's commitment to
organic and biodynamic farming has been great for grape quality;
the fruit has not been pumped up by synthetic fertilizers. Although
it's difficult to quantify all the differences between
conventionally grown and biodynamically farmed fruit, perceptive
growers I talk with think there are clear advantages to the natural
approach.
The wine we made was immediately a standout in the cellar. It bears
the mark of being grown in a particularly cool spot by its
spectacular aroma of bright berry fruits and peppery herbal
earthiness. There is a density and sexy, musky vineyard personality
that is hidden by its freshness, but it will become apparent with
age. The wine drinks well now and is a
perfect match for savory dishes, though it still has years to go
before it hits its peak.
