2012 Rusack Syrah Ballard Canyon Estate
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Tasting notes
(96% French and 4% American oak, 19% of it new): Inky ruby. Smoky cherry and dark berry aromas are complemented by dark chocolate and espresso. Full, broad and rich, offering straightforward, slightly hot plum and blackberry flavors and a touch of cracked pepper. The sweet, clinging finish is framed by soft tannins, with the warm plummy note repeating.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Syrah Ballard Canyon Estate Santa Barbara County shows the softer contours that are possible within Ballard Canyon, one of the warmer sites in Santa Barbara. Dark red stone fruits, iron, smoke, spice and leather notes flesh out in a radiant, open Syrah with plenty of near term appeal. This is one of the better entry-level wines from Rusack.