Jaffurs Wine Cellars Syrah Santa Barbara County 2021
Jaffurs Wine Cellars Syrah Santa Barbara County 2021
Santa Barbara County, California
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Tasting Notes
The 2021 Jaffurs Santa Barbara County Syrah is a delightful blend sourced from six esteemed vineyard sites across the region, showcasing the diverse terroir of Santa Barbara County. With a touch of Petite Sirah and Grenache, this Syrah offers a complex bouquet of plum and Herbes de Provence, inviting you in with its aromatic charm. On the palate, flavors of ripe raspberry dance alongside refreshing mint and a hint of peppercorn, creating a harmonious symphony of taste. Crafted with 18% stem inclusion and aged in neutral oak for 10 months, this medium-bodied wine strikes the perfect balance between youthful approachability and the potential for graceful aging.
Wine enthusiasts seeking an exceptional Syrah experience at an affordable price need look no further than the 2021 Syrah from Jaffurs. With its captivating aromatics of blackberries, bouquet garni, and subtle hints of game, this wine exudes purity and sophistication beyond its price point. A blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Grenache sourced from renowned vineyards, this Syrah offers a palate of blackberry, ground pepper, and a touch of herbal complexity. Soft, silky tannins wrap around the wine, promising a drinking window from 2023 to 2031, making it a versatile choice for both immediate enjoyment and cellar aging. -
Story
Jaffurs Wine Cellars traces its roots back to the visionary Craig Jaffurs, who blazed a trail in Santa Barbara by championing Rhone varietal wines. Founded in 1989, Jaffurs Wine Cellars has since become synonymous with quality and innovation in the region. Producing around 5000 cases annually, each bottle tells a story of meticulous craftsmanship and a dedication to showcasing the unique terroir of Santa Barbara County.
Craig Jaffurs, a former aerospace industry professional turned winemaker, embarked on his vinous journey after spending five harvests as a cellar rat at Santa Barbara Winery. Under the mentorship of Bruce McGuire, Jaffurs honed his skills and discovered his passion for winemaking. Armed with a few home winemaking experiments and some education from UC Davis, Jaffurs launched his eponymous winery. The turning point came with the release of the 1994 Santa Barbara County Syrah, which garnered rave reviews from esteemed publications like Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate, setting the stage for Jaffurs Wine Cellars' ascent to prominence in the world of wine.
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Somm Notes
The history of Santa Barbara wine country is a tale of resilience and revival, spanning over two centuries. In the late 1700s, Father Junipero Serra introduced grape vine cuttings to California, marking the genesis of viticulture in the region. The Mission grape, so named for its association with the church, thrived and became the predominant variety until the early 20th century. By the late 1800s, Santa Barbara boasted over 45 vineyards, with French winemakers adding to the diversity by planting Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc on Santa Cruz Island. However, the specter of Prohibition cast a shadow over the burgeoning wine industry, leading to its near demise by 1918. It wasn't until the 1970s that commercial winemaking returned to Santa Barbara County, heralding a new chapter in its vinous history.
In modern times, Santa Barbara wine country has experienced a renaissance, with the number of wineries and vineyards steadily increasing since the 1980s. The establishment of the Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley AVAs in the early 1980s laid the groundwork for further growth and recognition. Today, Santa Barbara County boasts seven officially recognized AVAs, over 100 wineries, and more than 20,000 acres of grapevines, showcasing a diverse array of over 65 grape varieties. From the cool-climate favorites of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to emerging Rhône varietals, the region's wines reflect its unique terroir, shaped by the transverse mountain ranges and cool oceanic influences. With its rich history and dynamic present, Santa Barbara wine country continues to captivate wine enthusiasts with its distinctive wines and breathtaking landscapes.
Reviews
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points ~ Readers looking for a brilliant Syrah from the Central Coast that won't break the bank should jump on the 2021 Syrah, a pure, medium to full-bodied, complex, incredibly satisfying Syrah that hits all the right notes. Blackberries, bouquet garni, ground pepper, and hints of game all define the aromatics, and it has a sense of purity and class that makes you think it would sell for twice its going rate. It's terrific today yet should easily have 7-8 years of overall longevity. The blend is 85% Syrah, 9% Petite Sirah, and the rest Grenache, from the Bien Nacido, Thompson, Larner, Kimsey, and Donnachadh vineyards, that saw a splash of stems and 10 months in neutral barrels. Maturity 2023-2031. — Jeb Dunnuck
Vinous 92 points ~ The 2021 Syrah (Santa Barbara County) is fabulous. Rich, ample and forward, the 2021 offers up copious blue/purplish fruit, rose petal, lavender, mocha and sweet spice. A dollop of whole clusters (15%) add further layers of nuance. Soft, silky contours wrap it all together in style. Drinking window 2023-2029. — Antonio Galloni
Wine Enthusiast - 95 pts - Editor’s Choice
This is a great representation of a solid Syrah bottling that touches on both the cooler and warmer aspects of the grape. Intense aromas of blackberry, black peppercorns and charred shishito peppers decorate the nose. The palate is dense, showing rich cassis flavors, but it's also elegant in spices, with pepper, iodine and purple flower flavors. Quite seamless. — Matt Kettmann
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Region
Along California's picturesque coastline, Santa Barbara County boasts a unique winegrowing region characterized by its transverse mountain range. Unlike most ranges, which typically align north to south, these mountains run east to west, creating a distinctive microclimate for grape cultivation. The valleys between these mountains act as conduits rather than barriers for the cool marine influences, allowing cold air, fog, and the marine layer to funnel directly into the region. As one of the most southerly "cool climate" wine regions in the northern hemisphere, Santa Barbara County benefits from these cooling effects, which contribute to the production of wines renowned for their delicate, balanced nature.
The soils of Santa Barbara County AVAs tell a geological story rooted in the region's maritime past. Mostly originating from the sea floor of the Pacific Ocean, these soils also bear deposits from the Santa Maria and Santa Ynez rivers. Rich in chalky limestone and chalk, these calcareous soils play a crucial role in maintaining acidity levels, while deposits of diatomaceous earth contribute to the concentration of flavors in the grapes. Clay loams ensure vines have access to moisture, vital in the region's dry climate, while sandy loams foster the production of fruit-driven wine styles. Combined with cool climate conditions and reliable dry falls, Santa Barbara County enjoys a long, even growing season characterized by large diurnal temperature swings. These factors collectively contribute to the production of wines that are not only delicate and balanced but also possess moderate alcohol content, reflecting the unique terroir of the region with each sip.