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 Everytime I introduce friends to Silver Wines two things happen: First, they ask, “Oh, you mean Silver Oak?” I have to explain that Silver Wines is a small winery off Milpas Street in Santa Barbara that makes stellar Rhone varietals, Pinot Noir and a number of other varietals. I’m always surprised by this question since Benjamin Silver has been making some of the best wine in Santa Barbara, in my humble opinion, for more than 15 years. The second question they ask is, “Where can I get some of this stuff?” Silver Wines is available for purchase online at www.silverwines.com
FROM THE WINEMAKER
This is my special little project with 2.8 acres of Syrah at White Hawk Vineyard on Cat Canyon Road in Los Alamos. The original idea was for me to have my own little block to try to push the envelope…experiment with cover crops, with farming practices, and then in the cellar.
We grafted the Eastern most section of the Lower block: 38 short rows of mediocre chardonnay vines over to Syrah in 2002. The 2003 was the first production off those grafts.
I hand picked two Syrah clones to work with the ancient sand dune soil: Clone 174 and Clone 470. These two clones produce wines with elegant juicy blackberry fruit balanced by White Hawk’s mineral vein. Aged in 35% new American oak barrels, and seasoned French Oak barrels for 23 months. Continue reading
 Photo courtesy of dustonthebottle.wordpress.com 2007 Barrel 27 Head Honcho Syrah: This black, luscious syrah has that French barnyard quality that some people love and some people hate. I love it. After tasting it at Barrel 27 tasting room in Paso Robles, I purchased a couple of bottles.
At sunset one evening, Mrs. Picky and I oohed and syr-aahed over each taste. At that moment we decided to save a bottle to share with my friend Jim. One of the many things I love about Jim is that he is extremely appreciative and animated when you share a nice bottle of wine with him. He takes in the bouquet, closes his eyes, and savors every taste to its fullest. When he doesn’t like a wine he’s suspiciously quiet.
I poured him a glass and watched him take a sip. His face had a look of confusion and, being the gentleman that he is, he was trying hard to hide his disgust. “What don’t you like?” I asked. “It’s too earthy. I don’t want to taste dirt when I’m drinking wine. I want to taste the fruit.” And that’s one of the beauties of wine. Everyone has different tastes. It’s completely subjective.
WINEMAKER: 2007 is our most compelling effort to date. Absolutely black in color, the massive nose bursts with black and red plums, raspberry preserves, warm chocolate cake wrapped in secondary elements of bramble and sage, tobacco leaf, frying bacon, grilled game meats and charcoal smoke. The huge pallet boasts flavors of raspberries, dark chocolate, cranberry and savory flavors of roast game, dried herbs, cola and Asian spices. Well structured, with great acidity and superb tannins, the fruit powers through the long, long finish ending with floral notes of French lavender, rose petal and spiced chocolate. Enjoyable now, but so much more so in 2-4 years.
RATINGS: Wine Spectator, 92; Wine Advocate, 89
PURCHASE: You can purchase 2007 Head Honcho Syrah at the Barrel 27 Wine Company for $28 per bottle. Lowest price online is at Mission Wine & Spirits for $24.95.
 When the Picky’s first opened and sipped the 2009 Sans Souci Pinot Noir they couldn’t find words to express the magic that was happening in our mouths. All that came out was, “Ooh, aah,” over and over again. Sans Souci Pinot Noir is crafted by Matt Brady, cellar master at Jaffurs Wine Cellars. The phrase ‘sans souci’ translates to “no worries” in French and was the name of the sailboat Matt’s parents lived on before he was born. Craig Jaffurs and Dave Yates allowed Matt to use the Jaffurs facility and equipment, and provided critical winemaking advice throughout production. To purchase or taste, contact Matt at vinosapienwine@gmail.com. Tastings of Sans Souci are generally not available at Jaffurs unless you can catch Matt on a Friday and he is not busy.
Winemaker: The 2009 ‘sans souci’ pinot noir is the newest release from vino sapien wine company. vino sapien (“wise wine”) productions are inspired and dedicated to the important people in my life. This ultra-small lot was sourced from the Kick-On Ranch in western Los Alamos, Santa Barbara County. This wine explodes with strawberries, nutmeg spice, hints of dark fruit, complex savory flavors of mushrooms and earth, with a silky smooth mouth feel, and long drawn out finish. Grapes were hand farmed and old-world techniques were used in making this wine. Only 45 cases produced. Retail $30/bottle. Cash and Check only.
Wikipedia: Pinot noir (French pronunciation: [pinoˈnwaʁ]) is a red wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from Pinot noir grapes. The name is derived from the French words for “pine” and “black” alluding to the grape variety’s tightly clustered dark purple pine cone-shaped bunches of fruit.
Pinot noir grapes are grown around the world, mostly in the cooler regions, but the grape is chiefly associated with the Burgundy region of France. It is widely considered to produce some of the finest wines in the world, but is a difficult variety to cultivate and transform into wine.[1]
 2008 Jaffurs Petite Sirah Thompson Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
Winemaker: This is a very big wine. In its fifth vintage, this wine maintains incredible darkness, power, and purity of fruit. This wine has more tannin and is higher in acid than the previous vintage. It has gobs of cherry-berry-dry and black fruit flavors, spice and licorice aromas, and a stick-to-your-lips quality. Four new American, plus eight neutral barrels were used. (252 cases produced). Available online at CheaperCigars.com for $27.64, and Carpinteria Wine Company for $28.99. See more Picky Picks.
Petite Sirah: Petite Sirah’s original name is Durif, named after François Durif. Petite Sirah, sometimes mistakenly spelled Petite Syrah, is some of the richest, darkest red wine you will taste. The grape originated as a cross of Syrah pollen germinating a Peloursin plant.
 2009 Alta Colina 12 O’Clock High – $24
The next time you go to Paso Robles DO NOT miss this winery. Their Rhones rival the best in Paso Robles. Winemaker’s Notes: Alta Colina produces world-class estate wines exclusively from Rhône varietals. We grow every grape at the Alta Colina Estate Vineyard on the Westside of Paso Robles. We savor the journey and remain committed to maintaining our core values of integrity and respect-for our people, partners, patrons, and the natural environment..
Available at The Wine Closet for $24. Also available at Thomas Hill Organics restaurant (A Picky favorite) in Paso Robles by the bottle and glass. See more Picky Picks.
 2008 Ojai Vineyard Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County – $21.98
Although considered their “low-end” Pinot, this is a beautiful bottle of wine. Winemaker’s Notes: A vineyard blend of mostly Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills fruit with a little bit of Presidio and Fe Ciega. Elegant in style, it is led by a natural core of acidity rather than full extract and tannin. It was vinified for 14 months in older French oak barrels without fining and filtration, so the wine is not heavily influenced by wood in the bouquet or palate, just purity of fruit, subtlety and nuance.
Lowest price online at Amazing Grapes for $21.98. Also available in at Paradise Pantry in Ventura, CA for $34. See more Picky Picks.
 2009 Carhartt Sauvignon Blanc Santa Ynez Valley – $21
Not only does Carhartt make great wine, but they are possibly the funnest, coolest wine family you will meet. Check out their intimate and fun wine tasting room in Los Olivos. Winemaker’s Notes: A luscious Sauv Blanc with notes of melon, mango, and lemon-lime citrus on the nose. This wine is well rounded, with lots of fresh fruit flavors up front – green apples, lemon curd, Persian melon. A long finish leaves you wanting more of this sunny song! Sip with oysters, grilled prawns, seafood ceviche, or mixed spring greens topped with creamy chevre. Fantastico!
Available in Los Olivos at Carhartt Winery for $21.00. See more Picky Picks.
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2008 The Paring Pinot Noir – $24.99 – $26.99
One of the best Pinots under $30. Bordeaux consultant, Michel Rolland, and Screaming Eagle’s winemaker, Andy Erickson, play important roles but owners Charles Banks, Stan Kroenke, and winemaker Matt Dees are most responsible for the quality. Robert Parker on Jonata: “… one of California’s most exciting new wineries.” Available at Woodland Hills Wine Company for $24.99 or locally at The Wine Hound for $26.99. See this and other Picky Picks. |
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2005 Bridlewood Dusty Trails Syrah — $30.00
After an hour of breathing this syrah went perfectly with Bison Tri-Tip
Winemaker’s Notes: An earthy wine, European in style that is full bodied yet supple on the palate with a velvety finish. Opens with flavors of leather and game against a smokey oak backdrop followed by cedar notes and dark fruit, which combine to form a long mid palate. Click here for other Picky’s Picks. Available at winery for $30.00 |
 2007 Tessa Marie Sangiovese Santa Barbara County – $26
Winemaker’s Notes: Blend of 90% Honea Vineyard Sangiovese, 10% Camp 4 Vineyard Sangiovese. Aged in French Oak for 18 months. Intense fruit forward aromas with a hint of sweetness, chocolate and molasses. A fusion of cherry and pomegranate with hint of spice and a well balanced finish.
Available at Tessa Marie Wines for $26
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