2016 Hampton Syrah

Appellation

Santa Barbara County

Varietal

Syrah

Wine Spectator

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

100% Hampton Vineyard located in the Santa Ynez Valley

Barrel Aging

Aged 21 months in 100% French oak, of which 33% is new

Cooperage

Meyrieux, Francois Freres

Technical Data

Composition

100% Syrah

Alcohol %

14.5

Acidity

0.512 g/100mL

3.84

Harvest Brix

24.7

Harvest Date

9/2/16

Production

298 cases

Description

Dark fruit aromas of blackberry, blueberry and black plum drive the nose, followed by dried herbs, tar, smoke and BBQ meat. Blackberry along with blueberry compote dominate the palate, while notes of leather, grilled herbs, dark chocolate and scorched earth complete this full-bodied Syrah.

For fun, try the 2016 Hampton Syrah with a hard cheese like Gouda, however as a general rule, you can't go wrong pairing with grilled meats, vegetables, wild game or a nice beef stew.

Wine Critic Reviews

"...a powerful, dense wine that captures all the best of the Epiphany style. Super-ripe black cherry, plum, smoke, licorice, spice and blackberry jam run through this full-throttle Syrah. All the elements meld together in a rich, opulent Syrah that has a ton to offer." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous "Very ripe blackberry and black-plum aromas are lifted by compacted violets on the nose...It lands on the palate with full flavors of blackberry reduction sauce, charred meat and pepper spice, with acidity that rolls into the finish." ~ Wine Enthusiast "Dark and potent, with polished blueberry, bitter chocolate and black olive flavors that build toward deep tannins." ~ Wine Spectator