Grown in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, the grapes are harvested in the cool of the morning before sunrise, and the berries are brought cold to selection tables where they are destemmed and crushed. The crushed grapes are placed in open tanks with the skins and enter the fermentation and maceration process. In order to bring out the deep color, spicy flavor and tannins, the fruit is infiltrated and hand-stirred for about 10 days. After fermenting and removing the skins, it is aged in 94% French oak and 6% American oak barrels (including 64% new barrels) and bottled unfiltered. In addition to the aromas of cassis, blackberry and licorice, the rich flavors of dried cherries, dark berries and cocoa blend together and are well balanced with velvety tannins. Wine Enthusiast 91 points, Jeb Dunnuck 91 points, Vinous 90 points.
92% Syrah, 8% Petite Sirah
*Because this product is purchased from a cooperative importer, it may take an extra 1-2 business days to ship.
This bottling contains classic Ballard Canyon aromas of cassis and blackberry, with hints of licorice. Concentrated flavors of dried cherries, blackberries and cocoa mix with velvety tannins that linger on the palate. Blend: 92% Syrah, 8% Petite Sirah
Critical Acclaim
91 pts Jeb Dunnuck
There are two Syrah releases. The 2016 Syrah (which includes 9% Petite Sirah) reveals a deep ruby/purple color as well as a ripe, sexy, opulent style in its black raspberry, blackberry, olive, and bacon fat-laced aromas and It's ripe, medium to full-bodied, and balanced, with terrific purity of fruit. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years.
91 pts Wine Enthusiast
Boysenberry-compote, roasted pork, dried beef, lavender and white-pepper aromas show on the nose of this estate bottling, which includes 15% Petite Sirah. Roasted meat and berry flavors are lifted by salt and pepper spice on the palate, with coffee and caramel emerging toward the finish.