Are you ready for a Syrah with some real character? Today’s 2016 Santa Ynez Valley Syrah from Martellotto Wines is a Santa Barbara wine that’ll impress Syrah lovers of every ilk. This wine is approachable, balanced and just complex enough to keep the wine interesting, from opening to the very last drop.

This Syrah features a high-density wine with deep garnet coloring, spreading out to an auburn lip. Syrah’s trademark white pepper is joined with a burst of raspberry. Pleasant subtle hickory smoke aromas reside alongside boysenberry and savory herbs. Bold berry flavor, perhaps you’d expect more from a Zin abound on the palate with blackberry, dusty bramble, cherry cola, big spice, and nutmeg. It’s exceptionally approachable for a Syrah, with very soft tannin a lush smooth mouthfeel and pleasant finish. Perfect for a whole roasted chicken with all of the trimmings.

The Santa Ynez Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area), which was designated in 1983, covers more than 75,000 acres in the broader Santa Barbara County. The area has since been sub-divided into four separate sub-appellations: Sta. Rita Hills, Happy Canyon, Ballard Canyon, and the Los Olivos District. The Santa Ynez AVA contains a diversity of soil and climate types which contribute, in turn, to a great diversity of grape varietal and wine styles. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the most-planted grape here, but Bordeaux and Rhône varieties like Syrah do particularly well here.

We’ve been showcasing Greg Martellotto’s wine for years now, and we’re always always impressed with his winemaking style. Greg makes truly balanced wines that are real crowd pleasers, and today’s is especially delightful.