2018 Hampton Vineyard Syrah

Appellation

Santa Barbara County

Varietal

Syrah

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

100% Hampton Vineyard located in the Santa Ynez Valley

Barrel Aging

Aged 20 months in 100% French oak, of which 50% is new

Cooperage

Meyrieux, Francois Freres, Mercurey

Technical Data

Composition

100% Syrah

Alcohol %

14.5

Acidity

0.548 g/100mL

3.87

Harvest Brix

25.9

Harvest Date

9/27/18

Production

286 cases

Description

Located on the warmer side of the Santa Ynez Valley AVA, Hampton Vineyard sits on a gentle south facing slope in a rocky shale loam soil. This vineyard is known for producing a Syrah that is big, dark and meaty.

Dark fruit aromas prevail on the nose, followed by dried herbs, tar, smoke and BBQ meat. Radiant notes of blackberry and blueberry compote are accentuated on the palate by leather, grilled herbs, dark chocolate and scorched earth.

You won't go wrong pairing this Syrah with grilled meats and vegetables, wild game, beef stew or any hard cheese.

Wine Critic Reviews

"Heady aromas of blistered blackberry, dark cocoa, cappuccino and wood spice invite the nose into this single-vineyard expression from the eastern side of the Santa Ynez Valley. Chalky tannins and firm acidity frame rounded flavors of dark fruit, white pepper and vanilla. This will be a joy to drink for years. Drink now–2033." ~ Wine Enthusiast "Lots of dark fruits, plum, tapenade, pepper, and chocolate emerge...and while it's not terribly complex, it's rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, with notable balance and length. Drink it over the coming 5-7 years." ~ Jeb Dunnuck "...packed with the essence of blackberry jam, espresso, licorice, chocolate and cloves. This is an especially dense, opulent style that comes across as heavy, in my view." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous