94 points - Wine Enthusiast
91 points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Ranked #40 in Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 of 2014
The 2010 Barbareño, a blend of 74% Syrah and 26% Petite Sirah, is a sumptuous dark garnet in the glass. Aromas of lavender, violet, black cherry, blackcurrant, and tar, and cacao powder greet you on the nose, while the supple, savory palate delivers olive tapenade, peppercorn steak, licorice, and campfire smoke. Wrapped around a gorgeously structured core are subtle notes of sun-dried coffee beans, sassafras, camphor, Herbes de Provence, cedar and vanilla. Inspired pairings might include a medium-rare filet with Gorgonzola and black pepper, a homemade flatbread with roasted garlic, caramelized onions, and Gruyere, or foraged wild mushroom ragout with polenta and grilled vegetables. The name Barbareño refers to the language historically spoken by the indigenous peoples who lived near the coast just to the west of our vineyard in Santa Ynez. 371 cases produced