Caruso Santa Barbara County Syrah
Certified Organic • Minimal Intervention • 96 Points
From the CCOF Certified Organic and sustainably farmed Kimsey Vineyard in the prestigious Ballard Canyon AVA, this exceptional Syrah is a benchmark example of Santa Barbara’s cool-climate winemaking potential. Crafted with minimal intervention, this wine is 50% whole cluster fermented, co-fermented with 3% Viognier, and aged 15 months in neutral French oak. It is unfined and unfiltered, preserving purity and sense of place.
Awarded 96 points by wine critic Jonathan Cristaldi (official Napa reviewer for Decanter Magazine), the Caruso Syrah is elegant and expressive, offering a harmonious balance of power and finesse.
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and plum unfold alongside lifted notes of rose petal, rhubarb, and crushed violet. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with a refined texture and velvety tannins, revealing subtle flavors of cherry pit, floral spice, and dark salted chocolate on a long, juicy finish.
Wine Details:
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Grape Varieties: 97% Syrah, 3% Viognier (co-fermented)
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Farming: CCOF Certified Organic, Sustainable
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AVA: Ballard Canyon, Santa Barbara County, California
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Winemaking: 50% whole cluster, aged 15 months in neutral French oak
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Style: Elegant, balanced, minimal intervention
- Unfined & Unfiltered
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Rating: 96 Points – Jonathan Cristaldi
Why We Love It:
This Syrah represents the intersection of organic farming and world-class craftsmanship, delivering purity, complexity, and regional character. A must-try for fans of cool-climate Syrah, natural wines, and small-lot California producers.
WINEMAKING METHOD: Low Intervention Wines, Organic Wines, Sustainable Wines
WINE TYPE : Red
FROM : California
VINTAGE : 2021
GRAPE VARIETY : Syrah
ALCOHOL : 13.5
