The Turchi wines produced in eastern Santa Barbara County represent a family project that began on paper in 2003. Winemaker David Corey, his mother Melinda Japs (maiden name Turchi) and his uncle Tony Turchi brought these ideas to fruition in the debut vintage of 2004. The goal was to make a reasonably priced wine that would pair well with a wide variety of foods. A blend of 83% Syrah, 8% Malbec and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Syrah is a wine inspired by the red wines of the northern Rhone.

The vineyards lie in the high altitude parcels of Santa Barbara Highlands. At approximately 3000 ft. above sea level, the fruit is sourced from the same areas each year to ensure quality and consistency. Unlike most New World Syrahs, this wine is lower in alcohol at 13.9%. It shows sufficient acidity with a complex array of flavors such as crushed blackberries & cherries, toasty earthiness and a hint of bacon-fat. An approachable wine, its soft texture rounds out the finish with a bit of black pepper lingering on the palate.

This wine would pair well with lighter meats such as poultry and pork in addition to grilled vegetables, pasta and rice dishes.