2015 Syrah - Zotovich Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
Tasting notes
An optimal growing site for Syrah and other varieties, Zotovich Vineyard is comprised of 35 acres in the northern part of the Sta. Rita Hills between Buellton and Lompoc. The vineyard is made up of mostly diatomaceous earth and sandy loam soils that create intense, mineral-driven wines. Complex and powerful aromatics of olive tapenade, cracked pepper, fennel, sage, cured meat. Silky-smooth on palate, this wine has elegance and weight all at once. Complexity on all fronts with depth to match. Tasting great now and will be a total stunner in 8-10 years.
Grapes were hand-harvested from the sandy soils of Zotovich Vineyard. 100% whole cluster fermentation in small lots (2 tons). Like always, we relied on the native yeast that the grapes carried from the vineyards to complete the fermentation. We hand punched each fermentor twice a day to enhance the extraction of colors, tannins and flavors. After primary fermentation was complete we extended maceration for up to 30-35 days to further extract color, tannins and flavor. We pressed with ultra-gentle stainless steel basket press in an 8-hour cycle. Aged in neutral oak for 22 months prior to bottling, no fining or filtering with two rackings before bottling.and then another year in bottle prior to releasing.
| Vintage | 2015 |
| Varietal | 100% Syrah |
| Varietal Composition | Clone 1 |
| Appellation | Sta.Rita Hills |
| Acid | 0.6 |
| PH | 3.66 |
| Aging | 22 months in neutral french oak |
| Fermentation | Native Yeast |
| Alcohol | 14.50% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Cases Produced | 110 |
93 Points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
The 2015 Syrah Zotovich Vineyard is bold, rich and super-concentrated, with tremendous aromatic savoriness from the 100% whole clusters that add nuance to a core of inky blue/purplish fruit. The Zotovich brings together the richness of this brutally hot, low-yielding vintage with cool-climate savoriness, a combination that is quite appealing. Black pepper, juniper berry, olive, sage and lavender add shades of nuance to this brooding, dense Syrah from SAMsARA. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
93 Points - The Wine Enthusiast
Concentrated aromas of blackberry syrup are lifted by pepper, gamy meats and a touch of oak on the nose of this bottling. Rich black-plum and black-currant flavors meet with charred meats, white pepper, rosemary and violet on the palate. - Matt Kettmann, The Wine Enthusiast
92 Points - The Wine Advocate
