Current Release
2021 Syrah, John Sebastiano 750ML
This dramatic hillside site lies on the eastern border of the Sta. Rita Hills and is one of the coolest sites planted to Rhone varietals in all of California. Each block contains a different clone and rootstock combination (470 on 5BB, Estrella and 383 are own rooted). The steep hillside soils are clay-loam over limestone. The cool wind and fog at this site provide for an extremely long season. These grapes produce a dark, intensely aromatic wine, with cool black and blue berry fruits, great freshness, mineral lift and solid structure for aging.
In 2021, the wine combines three separate blocks and clones (470, 383, & Estrella), each of which was picked separately in multiple passes as ripeness developed. The grapes were fermented separately in 1.5-ton, open top fermenters (100% destemmed) by native yeasts. At dryness, we combined free run and gently pressed lots and transferred them to French oak barrels (228L barriques and a few 400L barrels), 58 percent new, with various coopers (Sylvain, Ermitage, Seguin Moreau) and toast levels (M, ML, M+). The wine undergoes spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrel. The wine was ultimately aged on its lees for 9 months before selection and blending, then the blended wine returned to barrel for an additional 8 months before bottling. The wine is fantastic in this cooler, more elegant year. Drinkable now, it will improve for 7-15 years or longer.
The Wine was rated 96+ Points by Jeb Dunnuck, who said, “The [wine] would be the equivalent of a great Cornas from California given its wild, feral, almost bloody style. Ripe red and black fruits, salted meat, bouquet garni, iron, and subtle marine-like notes all define the aromatics, and this fabulous Syrah is medium to full-bodied, with ripe, integrated, yet building tannins, beautiful balance, and a great finish.”
In 2021, the wine combines three separate blocks and clones (470, 383, & Estrella), each of which was picked separately in multiple passes as ripeness developed. The grapes were fermented separately in 1.5-ton, open top fermenters (100% destemmed) by native yeasts. At dryness, we combined free run and gently pressed lots and transferred them to French oak barrels (228L barriques and a few 400L barrels), 58 percent new, with various coopers (Sylvain, Ermitage, Seguin Moreau) and toast levels (M, ML, M+). The wine undergoes spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrel. The wine was ultimately aged on its lees for 9 months before selection and blending, then the blended wine returned to barrel for an additional 8 months before bottling. The wine is fantastic in this cooler, more elegant year. Drinkable now, it will improve for 7-15 years or longer.
The Wine was rated 96+ Points by Jeb Dunnuck, who said, “The [wine] would be the equivalent of a great Cornas from California given its wild, feral, almost bloody style. Ripe red and black fruits, salted meat, bouquet garni, iron, and subtle marine-like notes all define the aromatics, and this fabulous Syrah is medium to full-bodied, with ripe, integrated, yet building tannins, beautiful balance, and a great finish.”
Wine Profile
| Vintage | 2021 |
|---|---|
| Wine Style | Red Wine |
| Varietal | Syrah |
| Size | 750 ml |