2006 Hocus Pocus Syrah

Santa Barbara County, California

Hocus Pocus Syrah is the first release from Black Sheep Finds, whose two youthful collaborators call it "A Magical Santa Barbara County Syrah." Amy Christine is also an actress and sommelier at the restaurant AOC; Peter Hunken is also winemaker for Stolpman Vineyards, Piedrasassi and Holus Bolus. Just in time for Halloween, this bewitching Syrah may turn even your most skeptical friends into true lovers of California Syrah. For us, Hocus Pocus Syrah is a magical wine gem!

Hocus Pocus Syrah is 100% Syrah farmed from cooler-climate vineyards in both the Santa Rita Hills and Santa Ynez Valley AVAs of Santa Barbara. It is a big, silky Syrah with a dark violet color and an aromatic nose of dark berries, anise, thyme, lavender and vanilla. The palate is loaded with blackberries, blueberries, mineral notes and a touch of oak. The wine was aged for 10 months in oak, but only 20% in new barrels. It is 100% destemmed, unfined and unfiltered. Nicely balanced and ready to drink now and over the next 5-6 years, this red is long and luscious on the finish.

Enjoy Hocus Pocus Syrah with beef stew, Moroccan lamb tagine, chicken pot pie and Indian food.