2021 Lindquist Family Central Coast Syrah
This wine is 88% Syrah, 8% Tempranillo, 2% Grenache and 2% Viognier, all from cool climate vineyards in both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. The Syrah comes primarily from Bien Nacido in the Santa Maria Valley, Shokrian Vineyard in the Cat Canyon area of Los Alamos, Mesa Verde Vineyard in the Los Olivos District and Martian Ranch in the Alisos Canyon AVA.
2021 was an outstanding, balanced vintage, with great weather during the growing season. We also had what I would call a normal crop level in 2021. I’ve been making a Central Coast Syrah since 1982, so this 2021 is my 40th consecutive vintage of this wine!
The various lots were fermented separately in small open top fermenters with manual punch downs twice daily. These fermenters range in size from 1.5 to 4.5 ton capacity. Some of the Syrah lots had some whole clusters, but for the most part the grapes were de-stemmed.
Aging was done in mostly neutral French oak barrels for 10 months before bottling in August 2022.
I prefer a balanced, savory style of Syrah, which is enhanced by the cool climate vineyards used in this blend. This also gives the wine a distinct spice and dark berry character, with fresh, natural acidity. We bottle this under Stelvin screw cap for easy access. A concept that 9 out of 10 restaurant, bars and wine bars prefer (unofficial results!).
Bob Lindquist
January 2023
*93 'Editor's Choice' Wine Enthusiast
