Rusack Vineyards Ballard Canyon Estate Reserve Syrah 2011: Though renowned for quality pinot noir, chardonnay, and sauvingon blanc — and increasingly famous for the wildly ambitious project to grow wine grapes on Catalina, including historic zinfandel vines from Santa Cruz Island — Rusack’s home varietal is syrah, which thrives on the family’s estate in the Ballard Canyon area of the Santa Ynez Valley.
With spicy fruit on the nose and a silky texture on the tongue, it’s a potent yet graceful representation of Ballard Canyon’s best. And with its own appellation designation on the horizon, it’d be best to snatch these Ballard beauties up before everyone else takes note.
Visit Rusack’s tasting room on Ballard Canyon Road or see RusackVineyards.com.
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