The 2021 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 oak puncheons.
The 2021 Elemental is a blend of 47% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 13% 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. 170 cases produced.
The 2022 Unconformity bends the rules. This certified organic and co-fermented blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre opens to a dark color and velvety texture, which seamlessly integrates with black cherry and plum that cede to spice, tobacco, and pretty mineral sensations. The texture is generous, but never heavy, making this one of the most versatile and food-friendly reds. Aged in 100% Manetti amphora. 70 cases produced.
Syrah represents a comfort zone for vintner Michael Larner, and his 2020 vintage shows his skillful hand. This organic wine is richly textured and generous with soft tannins and thick layers of dark fruit. Blackberry and baked plum dovetail into savory spice, campfire ash and Turkish tobacco. This wine finishes beautifully with rich, full-bodied intensity.
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 2017 Reserve Syrah is a silky and perfumed vintage, offering up copius amounts of blue and purple fruits which are lifted by a healthy dollop of Viognier and whole cluster fruit. This wine is seamless and beautifully persistent. Aged in 55% new oak. 258 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.
