The 2018 Santa Barbara County Transverse is named after the Santa Ynez Transverse Mountain range that runs east west in Santa Barbara’s wine country. It is an approachable blend of Syrah grapes from select vineyard sites across the valley. This is a bright, fruit-forward wine with bursting tones of red cherry, blackberry, leather and dark chocolate. There are tangy notes of exotic spice that drive up the mid-weight mouthfeel and soft tannic structure. Ultimately, Transverse aims to achieve an easy-drinking style with a sunny, all California personality. Aged 14 months in 10% new and 90% neutral French and American oak puncheons.
The 2019 Elemental is a blend of 57% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 3% Mourvedre. The best fruit is selected from across the estate to produce balanced results, while also showing the character of each grape. Syrah plays a leading role and the wine reveals soft dark fruit flavors and supple texture. The two other grapes play supporting roles adding freshness and pretty background tones of spice, tobacco and campfire ash. 126 cases produced.
A classic expression of the Larner winemaking philosophy, the 2019 Syrah hits that elusive intersection between power and elegance. This is a full-bodied red with impressive complexity. Aromas peel back to reveal raspberry coulis, baker's chocolate, allspice, licorice and sweet cigar. Come back to the glass five minutes later and you might discover a whole new set of delicious characteristics. It feels firm and grounded in texture thanks to the wine's generous consistency and supple tannins. 127 cases produced
The 2018 vintage Syrah shows richness and a soft textural approach with plenty of black cherry, blackberry, and wild plum. Those primary fruit aromas are neatly folded into dark spice, toasted nut and baker’s chocolate. Aged 26 months in 42% new oak (35% French barrels and 7% American) and 58% neutral French oak barrel. This wine offers balance and pretty intensity, all delivered over a long, full-bodied mouthfeel
Savory notes of cured tobacco and new suede kick off the 2019 Mourvedre, but the aromas don't stop there. This generous, open-knit wine reveals layered aromas of raspberry tart, baked plum and black currant. There are hints of crushed white pepper and iron ore as well. The wine shows a pretty dark garnet shine to its appearance and an extremely polished mouthfeel with gentle tannins. 26 cases produced.
The 2019 Grenache is elegant and poised from the start. It offers a fluid presentation of aromas that shift and evolve with each swirl of the glass. Aromas of blackberry and dark plum transition to hints of white chocolate, vanilla bean, grilled herb and sweet tobacco. The oak is expertly tucked into the soft concentration and natural richness of this opulent, fruit forward California red. 51 cases produced.
The 2016 Reserve Syrah is a beautifully generous, rich and soft expression of this high performing grape. There is a lot of Californian sunshine locked within the wine’s dark fruit flavors and its aromas of plum, blackberry preserves, spice, tobacco and tarry smoke. This wine delivers ample textural richness and can pair perfectly across from grilled or barbecued meats. There is a subtle point of tannic sweetness that is a signature of this vintage. Aged 36 months in 66% new French oak.
Flashy, racy and succulent, with a terrific palate presence. Dark cherry, spice and white chocolate flavors are all amped up. Even with all if its natural intensity, the 2013 is quite nuanced and delicate. The 2013 spent a total of four years in 100% new French oak, 25% whole-cluster and was done with a touch of Viognier.
