Spear Estate Syrah 2018
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Wine
Enthusiast -
Jeb
Dunnuck
Product Details
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Winemaker Notes
Black cherry, black olive and white pepper on the nose. Blackberry, currant and elderberry on the palate. The mouthfeel is dry and elegant.
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Wine Enthusiast
Roasted black plum, star anise, clove, charred beef and hints of tar show on the dynamic nose of this cool-climate Syrah bottling. The mouthfeel is lighter and airy, delivering freshly cracked peppercorn, lavender, dark berry and lightly gamy flavors of singed hair and flesh.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Lastly, the 2018 Syrah Estate was 75% destemmed and brought up in neutral oak as well. It's a ruby/purple-hued Syrah revealing peppery notes of red and blue fruits, violets, orange blossom, and spice. With medium-bodied richness, lively acidity, and a juicy, balanced texture, it reminds me of a great Saint-Joseph. Drink it over the coming 7-8 years.
Other Vintages
2019-
Jeb
Dunnuck
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Robert
Parker -
Wine
Enthusiast -
Jeb
Dunnuck
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Wine
Enthusiast
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
A superior source of California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills is the coolest, westernmost sub-region of the larger Santa Ynez Valley appellation within Santa Barbara County. This relatively new AVA is unquestionably one to keep an eye on.
The climate of Sta. Rita Hills is a natural match for Chardonnay and Pinot noir, thanks to the crisp ocean breezes and well-drained, limestone-rich calcareous soil. Here, grapes ripen just enough, while retaining brisk acidity and harmonious balance.