Santa Barbara County

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The cool summer of 2010 had a profound effect on all the vineyards we work with. At White Hawk there were no issues with achieving full ripeness, but the fruit did ripen weeks later than usual and with higher acidity. But I think the most striking aspect of this wine is how distinctive the vineyard character is in 2010. Not since 2000 and 2001 has the spicy cardamom like aromas been so prominent. Its appealing perfume and excellent freshness will allow this wine to age gracefully for years.

White Hawk vineyard is planted on hillsides of pure sand in Cat Canyon near Los Alamos, California. The syrah vines struggle to survive, since sand can hold neither nutrients nor water well. The production is absurdly low, making them some our most expensive grapes. The wine that’s made from this spot is as unique as the vineyard looks. There is an intense but lovely red berry fruit character followed by an intriguing seaweed-iodine spiciness. There is this aromatic association could be because the soil here is an ancient seabed.The tannins are copious, but super-fine textured. The climate is just cool enough that we never have to worry about the acidity level of the grapes, there is always a zesty tang that keeps this wine lively.

Blend: 100% Syrah | Alc: 14.5% | Vinification: 20% New French Oak | Barrel Aging: 18 Months | Total Production: 236 cases

Press Reviews

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“The 2010 Syrah White Hawk is one of the riper, more textured and layered efforts in the lineup. Possessing notions of plum and cherry pit-like fruits, violets and smoke, it’s medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated and has bright, yet integrated acidity. It too needs short-term cellaring, and will have over a decade of longevity.” – JD 92 Points

Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“The 2010 Syrah White Hawk Vineyard tastes like it was made yesterday. The flavors are bold, rich and intense. Here it is the wine’s structure and tannin that stand out most. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2010 is going to need at least a few years to fully blossom. When it does, it should be fabulous.” – AG 94+ Points