2022 Âmevive Wine "Ibarra-Young Vineyard" Syrah Estate, Los Olivos District, Santa Barbara, California, USA

ABOUT THIS WINE

The Syrah is part of the original planting at Ibarra-Young Vineyard, planted in 1971. It is own-rooted, it’s been farmed organically since 1993, and it’s possibly my favorite block. Can I pick favorites?? This Syrah block is located on a sandy loam slope in the most fertile section of the vineyard. These vines produce tight and dense clusters averaging the size of your palm. When they are ripe, the cluster’s dainty golden stems pop off with a small tug-you don’t even need sheers to harvest!

The Syrah was harvested in two picks in order to gain depth, acidity, and layers of different tannin structures in the final wine. The first pick was harvested around 21B and was fermented 100% whole cluster. The second pick was harvested 10 days later. Both picks were fermented 100% whole cluster, partially in larger fermentors and partially in open top barrels. The two lots were blended about a month before being bottled unfined and unfiltered in July of 2022.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Winemaker, Alice Anderson, spent two years working in the Northern Rhône where the seamless connection between farming and winemaking became her ethos. After returning to Santa Barbara County, Alice worked for and was influenced by some of the region’s brightest winemaking lights. She’s taken those experiences and influences to her brand called mevive Wine.

Âmevive is a small winery and vineyard based in Santa Barbara County. Alice Anderson and her partner farm a historic 10-acre vineyard in Los Olivos District AVA, home to Syrah, Mourvedre, and Marsanne planted in 1971. They farm with the environment in mind using biodynamic and regenerative organic practices. They actively rotate chickens, sheep, and ducks throughout the vineyard, and are completing their 3rd year of no till. They add nothing but occasionally minimal sulfur to the wines and they are always unfined, unfiltered, and made with intention. Alice likes to say that she "makes natural wines for the classic palette." She is extremely passionate about the natural world, keeping the wild wild, and making tasty wines that are good for both the planet and our bodies!