In 2000, I saw a posting in Central Coast Wine Services (CCWS) for Santa Barbara County Syrah from the Larner Vineyard for sale. It was like a posting in a guitar center, ‘Drummer Needed.’ I was passionate about wine but had never made it myself - nonetheless, I tore off a phone number and took a chance. So did they. That action embraced the entrepreneurial spirit of taking a leap of faith and embarking on an adventure.  Today, I am even more excited about the quality of the fruit coming from the Central Coast and the opportunity to craft beautiful wines to share with you. 

An act of bravery back then resulted in a decades-long relationship with the Larner Vineyard, now a grand cru site for Syrah in Santa Barbara County. It is one of multiple Santa Barbara vineyards contributing to our newest Syrah, named Brave Fortune – a twist on the classic adage, “Fortune favors the brave". Fruit for the 2020 Brave Fortune comes from Ballard Canyon, Santa Rita Hills, Alisos Canyon, and Santa Maria Valley.

TASTING NOTES

Charred tri-tip crust, singed rosemary, tamari reduction, vanilla waffle cone, hoisin, Korean short ribs, sarsaparilla, macerated mulberry,  and creamy peppercorn sauce. Core of sweet, supple, expressive, briary, and blue fruits. The palate is textural, persistent, and lush, yet lively. 
 

95 Points - Wine Enthusiast