Our Guide to the 2009 Ojai Vineyard Syrah - Presidio Vineyard The 2009 Ojai Vineyard Syrah from Presidio Vineyard is a gem in the Syrah world, known for its robust, spicy profile that captivates wine enthusiasts. This article explores the wine's distinctive characteristics and rich history, offering insights into what makes it an exceptional choice for connoisseurs. For more details, visit the Ojai Beverage Company at 655 East Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA 93023, or explore our offerings at www.ojaibeveragecompany.com! Background on 2009 Ojai Vineyard Syrah - Presidio Vineyard If there's one bottle that would highlight the exceptional winemaking prowess of Santa Barbara County, it would be the 2009 Ojai Vineyard Syrah from Presidio Vineyard. This vintage represents the pinnacle in Syrah production, showcasing the unique terroir of the Presidio Vineyard and the masterful techniques employed by Ojai Vineyard. Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara's wine country, Ojai Vineyard has long been recognized for its commitment to crafting wines that truly reflect their origin. The 2009 Syrah, in particular, benefited from an ideal growing season, which allowed the grapes to develop complex flavors and achieve optimal ripeness. This resulted in a wine that beautifully balances power and elegance, offering wine enthusiasts a rich tapestry of dark fruit flavors, spicy notes, and a smooth, lingering finish that exemplifies the best qualities of California Syrah. Product Deep Dives 2009 Ojai Vineyard Syrah - Presidio Vineyard The 2009 Ojai Vineyard Syrah - Presidio Vineyard is known for its bold, spicy flavor profile and crafts this Syrah specifically to highlight the rich terroir of the vineyard. Aged to perfection, it showcases heady levels of alcohol, making it ideal for those who appreciate full-bodied wines with complex flavors.To complement its bold flavor profile, the wine has smooth tannins and a long finish. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, robust cheeses, and hearty vegetables. Available in 750ml bottles at a premium price point, this Syrah offers a more complex and layered experience compared to its Santa Barbara counterpart, with more pronounced spice notes and richer fruit flavors. 2009 Ojai Vineyard Santa Barbara Syrah The 2009 Ojai Vineyard Santa Barbara Syrah is a rich, full-bodied wine that, like the Presidio Vineyard bottle, showcases the unique terroir of its origins-- Santa Barbara. Priced at $65.00, it presents excellent value for its quality, reflecting The Ojai Vineyard's commitment to sustainable practices and meticulous winemaking techniques. Crafted to highlight the area's distinctive characteristics, this Syrah offers a full-bodied flavor profile and smooth tannins but offers a more approachable taste with less pronounced spice notes compared to the Presidio Vineyard Syrah. Nevertheless, this versatile wine complements a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to artisanal cheeses, making it suitable for diverse dining occasions. 2009 Qupé Syrah The 2009 Qupé Syrah, produced by the renowned Qupé Winery in Santa Barbara County, is celebrated for its complexity and balance, featuring dark fruit flavors and a smooth finish. Founded by Bob Qupé, the winery has established a reputation for producing high-quality wines that showcase the region's unique terroir.This Syrah offers a more balanced flavor profile compared to the Ojai Vineyard Presidio Syrah, with less pronounced spice notes and a more approachable experience. Available in 750ml bottles at a premium price point, it pairs exceptionally well with a variety of dishes. Its smooth finish and complex flavors make it a versatile choice for wine enthusiasts seeking a high-quality, readily available U.S. Syrah. Fess Parker Winery Syrah Fess Parker Winery, while renowned for its Pinot Noir, also produces a notable Syrah that exemplifies Santa Barbara County's ability to produce high-quality wines. This full-bodied wine is characterized by rich, fruity flavors and smooth tannins, making it an excellent choice for those exploring the region's Syrah offerings. Crafted to showcase Santa Barbara County's terroir, this wine offers a more approachable flavor profile compared to the Ojai Vineyard Presidio Syrah, with less pronounced spice notes and a more balanced experience. Available in 750ml bottles at a premium price point, it pairs well with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to robust cheeses thanks to its smooth tannins that contribute to its versatility. Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard, a renowned Syrah producer in Santa Barbara County, offers a wine that represents the region's finest qualities. This Syrah is known for its rich, complex flavors and is highly regarded by wine enthusiasts. The vineyard's commitment to sustainable practices and meticulous winemaking techniques is evident in the quality and distinctive flavor profile of their wines. Compared to the Ojai Vineyard Presidio Syrah, the Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah presents a more complex flavor profile with pronounced dark fruit notes, offering a more layered experience. Available in 750ml bottles at a premium price point, this wine pairs exceptionally well with a variety of dishes. Its complex flavors make it an excellent choice for those seeking to add depth to their dining experience, particularly complementing grilled meats, artisanal cheeses, and roasted vegetables. History and Evolution of Syrah Syrah, also known as Shiraz, is a red wine grape with a rich and complex history. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, but DNA profiling conducted by the University of California, Davis, in 1999 revealed that Syrah is the offspring of two rare grapes, Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche, from southeastern France. The first mention of what historians believe to be Syrah is found in the works of Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder, who wrote about a prized wine made from a dark-skinned grape called Allobrogica in AD77. Syrah's journey from France to California began in the late 19th century, with the first plantings in Napa Valley in 1878, although it was often mistakenly called Petite Sirah due to the small berries. Syrah in Californian Wine Culture Syrah has become a staple in California's wine industry, particularly in regions like Santa Barbara County. Its adoption and development in California were influenced by the interest in Rhone wines in the US, which led to the experimentation with Syrah and other Rhone varietals by California winemakers. The "Rhône Rangers" movement, which began in the 1970s, played a significant role in popularizing Syrah in California. Today, Syrah is one of the most planted grape varieties in California, with its unique flavor profiles shaped by the state's diverse climates and soils. The Winemaking Techniques Behind Ojai Vineyard Syrah Ojai Vineyard is renowned for its meticulous winemaking techniques, particularly in producing high-quality Syrah. The vineyard's philosophy emphasizes sustainable practices and minimal intervention, which significantly impact the final product. For instance, Ojai Vineyard often employs whole cluster fermentation, a method that preserves the natural flavors and tannins of the grape, resulting in wines with rich, peppery notes and a robust texture. This approach not only showcases the craftsmanship involved but also enhances the aging potential of the wine, making it a sought-after choice among connoisseurs.
