
2019 Syrah, Kimsey Vineyard
In Stock
Vineyards and Composition: 100% Kimsey Vineyard; Ballard Canyon, Santa Barbara County.
Barrel Aging and Cooperage: Twenty-six months in 100% French oak (228L Burgundy) barrels for aging.
Winemaking: This is our fifth and highest-scoring release from this well-regarded, organically grown vineyard. The Kimsey Vineyard is planted on the cooler, south-western side of the Ballard Canyon A.V.A. Ballard Canyon has proven itself to be an outstanding area to grow world-class Syrah. I selected the Estrella clone perched high on the hill planted in rocky, clay-loam soil. The grapes were 75% destemmed without being crushed, leaving over 95% whole berries and 25% whole-cluster, into a 1.5-ton open top fermentor and cold-soaked for four days prior to inoculation. After the cold soak, the grapes were punched down by hand, for 12 days, until fermentation was complete. The must was basket pressed and settled before being racked into three year old and older French oak barrels and aged for twenty-six months. “A deep purple-hued Syrah loaded with notions of ripe black fruits, ground pepper, cumin, leather, and hints of iron. Medium-bodied on the palate, with ripe tannins and good overall balance, it reminds me of a solid Hermitage with its meaty, savory, almost bloody style…and will drink brilliantly for over a decade. It's another screamingly good Syrah from Blair that readers should snatch up. 97 pts, Jeb Dunnuck
Production: 95 cases
Bottle Aging: Wonderful now, but aging will just enhance this wine. Ideal from 2023-2031
Retail Price: $55 per bottle / Wine Club Price: $44 per bottle
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