Brambly blackberry, coarse black pepper, spicy raspberry. Sour plum, overgrown briar, dark cherry pit. A tart and vibrant procession of huckleberry, strawberry, and almost-ripe blueberry dances with wild and energetic exuberance amidst a tangled web of herbaceousness highlighted by thyme, tobacco, and bougainvillea. Notes of sage, marjoram, and oregano advance layers of complex herbal nuance while wafts of violet, iris, and rose provide bursts of well integrated floral perfume. Hints of okra and olive tapenade further augment slightly green natural charm as rock salt, paprika, and crushed red pepper impart zesty punches of spice. Suggestions of iron, copper penny, and slow cooked brisket gradually emerge to reveal a deliciously rugged and sanguine edge bolstered by intriguing flecks of coffee grounds, compost, and turned earth. Impressively lively, fresh, and feral on the palate with exceptional balance and breadth; exhibiting admirably authentic and unmanipulated character driven by notes of herbs, earth, and captivating organic funk. Medium plus in body with elevated tannin backed by bright acidity. This 2016 "Gamma" Estate Syrah by Ampelos Cellars is a sensational savory and serious red from the Santa Rita Hills.

Though known primarily as one of California's greatest regions for the production of high quality Pinot Noir, the Santa Rita Hills of Santa Barbara County experience an exceptionally long growing season that can also allow for later-ripening grapes to thrive. This bottling, crafted by Ampelos Cellars using Syrah grown at their biodynamic estate vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills, wonderfully exemplifies the dynamic nature of this amazing coastal region. This wine possesses an extremely spunky wild berry-driven core surrounded by herbal, spicy, and savory nuances that boom with equal intensity. Its raw expression of typicity and site are undeniably excellent, and it's intriguing cool climate undertones pay respects to not only coastal California but also the steep hillsides of the Northern Rhone. This is an intriguing and exciting creation from a fantastic small family-owned producer.