Rusack Vineyards
Ballard Canyon Estate Syrah
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, USA
At 15 years this #santabarbara #syrah is fully evolved. Cork condition looked approachable initially but it was crumbly with initial attempts from my Rabbit-style opener. The Ah-So made easy work of the dry cork from there. Pours a deep purple into glass fading it magenta, ruby and slight bricking at the edge. Half an hour in the glass from cellar temperature enticing blackberry compote, beef jerky, charcuterie notes and a slightly peppery cumin note that reminds me of taco seasoning in ground beef. I had to smell this compulsively in my Zalto glass. Palate shows this wine’s age - primary fruit mostly faded away, some coffee, caramel tertiary notes but lovely peppery bite on the finish. Acidity has trailed off as well along with most of the tannins. Marvelous single vineyard SB Syrah.
At 15 years this #santabarbara #syrah is fully evolved. Cork condition looked approachable initially but it was crumbly with initial attempts from my Rabbit-style opener. The Ah-So made easy work of the dry cork from there. Pours a deep purple into glass fading it magenta, ruby and slight bricking at the edge. Half an hour in the glass from cellar temperature enticing blackberry compote, beef jerky, charcuterie notes and a slightly peppery cumin note that reminds me of taco seasoning in ground beef. I had to smell this compulsively in my Zalto glass. Palate shows this wine’s age - primary fruit mostly faded away, some coffee, caramel tertiary notes but lovely peppery bite on the finish. Acidity has trailed off as well along with most of the tannins. Marvelous single vineyard SB Syrah.
Oct 5th, 2022