Sixteen years ago, we set out to make the ultimate Syrah. ÜBER is a co-fermentation of all the top Santa Barbara County Syrah vineyards we work with, consisting of 8 different vineyards and is mainly from our Estate (five clones), Black Oak (two clones), Zotovich, Zaca Mesa, Donnachadh and Watch Hill. As each parcel of fruit arrives at the winery, approximately 10% of each pick and each clone is separated and added to the ÜBER fermenter. Three of the Estate clones are co-planted with 5% Viognier

Vineyard Regions: Los Olivos District, Alisos Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley and Sta. Rita Hills

Vintage Conditions: Santa Barbara County had a cool spring and mild summer temperatures that extended the growing season. Harvest began in the last half of August and the weather that followed had the usual summer heat waves. It was a very quick and even harvest with yields that were average to below average helping to produce pronounced flavors and aromatics. Most importantly for us is that we did not have the fires that plagued the vineyards to the north. We are very happy with the quality of the wine and the “numbers” (pH, TA, Alc.) have been right on resulting in very balanced wines.

Maturation: This wine was matured for 16 months in 63% new Ermitage French oak barriques. The wine was never racked until it was bottled. Unfined and unfiltered.

Color: Dark and concentrated blue and black notes.

Aroma: Sinister aromas of blue-black brambleberry, anise, rhubarb, black peppercorn, thyme, grilled meat and smoke. Notes of earth, tobacco and leather mix in the background.

Palate: Very concentrated but impressively resolved and sublimely smooth on the palate. Rich, supple and full-bodied with tons of dark blue and black fruits. Hints of dark chocolate, leather, black olive and other Mediterranean spices weave harmoniously together.