2022 John Sebastiano Vineyard Syrah
2022 John Sebastiano Vineyard Syrah
New Release! A classic example of cool-climate Syrah.
Description
A classic example of cool-climate Syrah. Savory notes of bacon, roast meats and white pepper are interwoven with aromas of black plums. The palate showcases a full body with a beautifully balanced acidity. Flavors of blackberries and chocolate are complemented by well-integrated tannins, creating a silky texture. The finish is long and savory, marked by lingering notes of dark fruit, spice and hint of coffee. It is an exceptional choice for pairing with grilled steak and sauteed mushrooms, or lay it down for 5–10 years.
Vineyard Notes
John Sebastiano Vineyard, located at the eastern end of Sta. Rita Hills, is planted on steep hillsides with fine clay-loam soils. The vines struggle to ripen in the cool westerly marine winds, resulting in great concentration and dramatic aromas and flavors. The grapes for this wine came blocks planted to the 470 and Alban clones.
Production Notes
The 2022 harvest was tracking to be a little later than usual due to cool summer weather, but Labor Day weekend brought a significant heat bump which accelerated the pace. Berry size was smaller than average, which resulted in smaller yields across the appellation this year. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were picked quickly in the first two weeks of September. Then the weather cooled a bit and ripening slowed, with Syrah staying on the vine well into October. Grapes at John Sebastiano were harvested on October 26th.
Winemaker Notes
This Syrah was crafted using an adaptation of Australian winemaking techniques focused on extraction early in the fermentation process, minimizing the risk of harsh tannins. The grapes were crushed into tanks and given a four-day cold soak. After fermentation the wine was pressed immediately and aged for 17 months in 40% new French oak barrels. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered on April 18th, 2024.
| Vintage |
2022 |
| Wine Style |
Red Wine |
| Varietal |
100% Syrah |
| Appellation |
Sta. Rita Hills |
| Harvest Date |
October 26, 2022 |
| Acid |
6.3 g/l |
| PH |
3.8 |
| Bottling Date |
April 18, 2024 |
| Size |
750 ml |
