Groundwork by Sans Liege 2017 Syrah, Santa Barbara

Groundwork is all about the fundamentals. Putting to use the empirical knowledge he has gained from making wine for his first label, Sans Liege Wines, Curt Schalchlin seeks to bring his experience to a new set of wines that embrace the soul and simple living of the Rhône. Groundwork is built upon Curt's comfort and confidence as a winemaker, instructing him to trust in the fruit, the vineyards, and his own rich experience as guides.

100% Syrah sourced from White Hawk Vineyard and Rancho Arroyo Grande. 30% of the fruit was left whole cluster, fermented in open top tanks with punchdowns and pumpovers. The wine aged 16 months in 100% French oak barriques.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine awarded this an "Editors' Choice" scoring it 93 points and saying "This label by Winemaker Curt Schalchlin might one of the Central Coast's best bang-for-the-buck bottlings on the market today. The Syrah impresses right away on the nose, with hints of nori wrap, soy, cracked pepper and singed tobacco set against wild berry and dried thyme. The palate's sizzling acidity carries flavors of fresh berry, fennel frond and thyme-laced pepper."