Though crops were meager up in Sonoma and Napa in 2021, it was an above average year in Santa Barbara and no wine benefitted more than this one. As always, we feel this wine crushes it for the price point—something delicious but hopefully also approachable for nearer term enjoyment; on our bolder days, perhaps the Crozes-Hermitage to Hudson and Bien Nacido’s Cornas and Cote Rotie. Based around Syrah planted in Alisos, Ballard Canyon, and Cat Canyon, this also has bits of Bien Nacido, Hudson, and Weill Syrah in the blend. All lots were fermented with 20-60% whole cluster to amplify perfume and spice and were raised in a variety of puncheons, demi-muids, and smaller barrels with just a trace (less than 5%) new oak. Channeling Julia Child’s voice, “this is a good roast’s best friend.”