2002 Clos Mimi White Hawk Vineyard Syrah

2001 Mimi Bunny Slope Vineyard Syrah: Displaying slightly less fruit and mouthfeel than the 2000 vintage, this wine was racked one final time to the bottling tank. The wine contains 14.40% alcohol. 2003 Mimi Brave Oak Vineyard Syrah: This wine was never pumped, acidulated, fined or filtered. This wine was bottled by hand via gravity on Clos Mimi's own equipment. Alcohol content is 15.8%. 100% syrah. Total production is 122 cases. 2003 Mimi Shell Creek Vineyard Syrah: Alcohol content is 15.5%. Total production is 72 cases.

Santa Barbara County is not an AVA, but a region just south of San Luis Obispo that includes the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley appellations. Wine has been produced in the area since the 18th century when Spanish missionaries planted vineyards. It wasn’t until the 1990s, however, that producers focused on growing premier grapes for fine wines. During the 1990s more than 10,000 acres of vineyards were planted, and today there are nearly 20,000 acres of vineyards. The region received a big bump in recognition and prestige when the popular film “Sideways” was shot there in 2004. Because the region is affected by maritime weather, it is relatively cool climate makes it ideal for Chardonnay. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and an increasingly adventuresome number of varietals are also grown successfully in Santa Barbara County.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.