Black Sheep Finds, Holus Bolus Syrah 2022 "Franc de Pied", John Sebastiano Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills , Santa Barbara, Central Coast, CA

These vines are on their original French feet (suitcased from the Côte Rotie), making a meaty Syrah, with savory notes of olives, wood spice, and dark berries. Exclusive to Bonde.

COUNTRY: USA

STATE: California

APPELLATION (AVA): Sta. Rita Hills

REGION: Central Coast

SUBREGION: Santa Barbara

VINEYARD: John Sebastiano

VINTAGE: 2022

GRAPES: Syrah

SOIL: Diatomaceous earth and loam

PRACTICE: Organic

VINIFICATION: Fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks. 25% whole clusters. Aged in a combination of 2 and 3 year-old French oak barrels for 14 months before bottling without fining or filtration.

PRODUCTION: 125 cases produced

AGING POTENTIAL: Age 8-10 years

STYLE: Still

WINE TO SOFA, TABLE, OR OCCASION: Table or occasion

COLOR: Deep ruby

BODY: Medium to full

TASTE: Dry

TANNINS: Moderate

PRIMARY AROMAS: Black olives, rosemary, smoke, dark berries

FLAVOR: Savory, meaty with wood and spice, nice acidity and smooth tannins

FORMAT: 750ml

SERVICE AND FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTION: Syrah loves the grill—pair with grilled meats or summer vegetables.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER: Black Sheep Finds is behind Holus Bolus, The Joy Fantastic, and Wineslut. It was founded by husband and wire winemaking partners Peter Hunken and Amy Christine, who holds an MW (Master of Wine). Of their style, they say: “We aren’t trendy — that’s not what we do. We work with time-honored noble varieties and we strive to produce wines that are elegant, restrained and provide a sense of refreshment.” 

ABOUT THE VINEYARD: John Sebatiano Vineyards

John Sebastiano Vineyards eastern border of the AVA with western-facing slopes that receive marine influence for a cool growing climate. This block is planted without rootstock and the clonal material was "suitcased" in from France many years ago, so these vines grow on their "French feet" hence the name Franc De Pied. 

ABOUT THE LABEL: “Our first label, Holus Bolus, has an octopus on the label. The octopus represents our 4 arms and 4 legs. It’s just the 2 of us. We have no employees, so everything in the bottle comes from our two hands.” - Amy Christine