2018 Colson Canyon Syrah

Appellation

Santa Barbara County

Varietal

Syrah

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

100% Colson Canyon Vineyard (Block 2C) located in the Santa Maria Valley

Barrel Aging

100% barrel aged for 20 months in 14% new French oak, 86% 1-year old and older French oak

Cooperage

Francois Freres, Boutes

Technical Data

Composition

100% Syrah (Clone 877)

Alcohol %

14.9

Acidity

0.595 g/100mL

3.61

Harvest Brix

26.5

Harvest Date

10/19/18

Production

174 cases

Description

They say, "Syrah likes a view" because the best come from higher elevation vineyards with less soil, making the vines work harder, producing highly concentrated smaller grape clusters. Colson Canyon Vineyard fits the bill, with rocky soils overlooking the Santa Maria Valley's eastern edge at a 1,400-foot elevation.

This is a big, bold red with loads of character. Layers of dark fruit aromas, violet, graphite and baking spices hit the nose right from the start. Dense and rich flavors of black plum, blackberry and dark chocolate combine with a hint of smoked meat coming through on the finish.

Pair the Colson Canyon Vineyard Syrah with bold foods. Try with a blue cheese burger, cassoulet or rosemary-crusted lamb tenderloin.

Wine Critic Reviews

"...displays powerful red fruit, blood orange, chalk, mint, white pepper and crushed rocks. Potent and deep the Colson Canyon Vineyard marries opulence with energy. A big, big wine. Time in the glass brings out more floral and red toned fruit." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous "I also loved the 2018 Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard...Deep purple-hued, with impressive blackberry, plum, and cassis fruits, it has a cool climate-like edge in its aromas, with plenty of bay leaf and ground pepper nuances. It brings California fruit on the palate, though, and has medium to full body, a round, layered mouthfeel, and a great finish...it has a decade of prime drinking ahead of it." ~ Jeb Dunnuck "Crumpled purple flowers and white peppercorn decorate the acai and baked blue-fruit aromas of this bottling. Edgy tannins frame dark-fruit flavors that are spiced by peppercorn, bay leaf and pine oil on the palate." ~ Wine Enthusiast