2008 Big Table Farm White Hawk Syrah

Big Table Farm started in 2006 when Brian Marcy and Clare Carver uprooted themselves from Napa to farm 70 acres in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The couple wanted a working farm with vineyards so they could produce not only food but wine. Brian had worked in Napa at Turley Wine Cellars, Neyers Vineyards, Blankiet Estate and Marcassin, among others. Carver is an artist who designs the labels. Big Table produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Pinot Gris, Riesling and blends. Big Table Farm wines have won scores in the mid-90s from wine journals. The New York Times has called Big Table Farm “an up-and-coming producer.”

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.