2015 Samsara Syrah
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The 2015 Syrah (Santa Barbara County) is a gorgeous appellation-level wine, not to mention absolutely delicious. Black cherry, plum, lavender, licorice, spice and menthol give a juicy, flavorful feel. Most of the fruit is destemmed, which adds to the wine's forward appeal. Vineyard sources are Kimsey and Verna's.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Syrah Santa Barbara County gives pretty kirsch, red currant jelly and black raspberry notes with Chinese five spice, Sichuan pepper and forest floor in the undercurrent. Medium-bodied, the palate has bags of red and black fruit flavors and impressive harmony, framed by approachable, rounded tannins and finishing with pepper and spice suggestions.
The 2015 Syrah Santa Barbara County is slightly more successful than the Grenache and has tons of blackberry, olive tapenade and peppery notes in a medium-bodied, silky, character-filled style. It's well worth checking out. This might be the last of the Samsara releases as Chad Melville will be taking over the lead winemaking role at Melville. If so, these 2014s are a terrific way to go out!