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The Saint & Barbarian

2013 Santa Barbara County Syrah

Shirah Wine Co's The Saint & Barbarian is a captivating red wine crafted from Syrah, showcasing the unique terroir of Santa Barbara County. This vintage, hailing from 2013, presents an enticing bouquet rich in dark fruit aromas, with notes of blackberry and plum intertwined with hints of black pepper and smoky undertones. The wine exhibits a full-bodied presence, offering a luscious mouthfeel that envelops the palate while maintaining an invigorating acidity that elevates its complexity. The tannins are notably structured, providing a firm backbone that complements the fruit intensity beautifully. On the finish, this Syrah reveals a delightful richness, making it an excellent choice for pairing with grilled meats or hearty dishes, while remaining effortlessly enjoyable on its own.

Tasting notes:


Blackberry

Blackberry

Plum

Plum

Black Pepper

Black Pepper

Flavor profile:


Acidity Mild

Low Pronounced

Body Medium

Very Light Full

Fruit Intensity Medium

Low Pronounced

Sweetness Dry

Bone Dry Sweet

Tannin Medium

Low Pronounced

Pairs well with:


Roasted Duck, Char-grilled Lamb Chops with Fig Sauce, Lamb Chops

Region:


Santa Barbara County

Just north of Los Angeles at the southern tip of the Central Coast, Santa Barbara County is one of California's winemaking gems. Although a long way from Napa and Sonoma, Santa Barbara's prime AVAs—the Santa Maria and Santa Ynez Valleys and the Santa Rita Hills—produce exemplary cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It is all thanks to the terroir. Despite its proximity to sunny southern California, Santa Barbara County is hilly, and its vineyards lie close to the Pacific Ocean. With little rainfall but an abundance of chilly ocean winds and fogs, the growing season is very long here. This allows grapes to ripen slowly over an extended period and develop wonderfully complex flavors.

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