Zaca Mesa

Mesa Reserve Santa Ynez Valley Syrah

8.962 ratings
8.811 pro ratings
Santa Ynez Valley, Central Coast, California, USA
Syrah
Lamb
Top Notes For
Dr. Owen Bargreen

The 2012 ‘Zaca Reserve’ Syrah is a terrific showing at now seven years of age. Deeply hued, the aromatic range is very good from bacon fat to Umami to shades of white pepper that mingle with red and dark fruits on the nose. There is a marvelous salinity to this viscous Syrah as the wine unveils dense red and dark fruit flavors with blood orange and smoky accents. Peaking now, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next five to seven years. Drink 2019-2024- 91

The 2012 ‘Zaca Reserve’ Syrah is a terrific showing at now seven years of age. Deeply hued, the aromatic range is very good from bacon fat to Umami to shades of white pepper that mingle with red and dark fruits on the nose. There is a marvelous salinity to this viscous Syrah as the wine unveils dense red and dark fruit flavors with blood orange and smoky accents. Peaking now, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next five to seven years. Drink 2019-2024- 91

Apr 21st, 2019
Isaac Pirolo

Zaca Mesa was the third winery in Santa Barbara County, and the first to plant Syrah (in 1978). This presents the beautiful paradox of massive extraction in a bone dry wine. Granted, there's some resemblance to something like Coke Zero, with all the sweetness on the front end. That said, this strikes the right balance to display what Santa Ynez Syrah is all about. Sage, worcestershire sauce, baking chocolate, underripe bramble, leather, and underbrush.

Zaca Mesa was the third winery in Santa Barbara County, and the first to plant Syrah (in 1978). This presents the beautiful paradox of massive extraction in a bone dry wine. Granted, there's some resemblance to something like Coke Zero, with all the sweetness on the front end. That said, this strikes the right balance to display what Santa Ynez Syrah is all about. Sage, worcestershire sauce, baking chocolate, underripe bramble, leather, and underbrush.

Mar 20th, 2017
Boris Mathiszik

At Family Winemakers of California Tasting in Del Mar. 3/5/2017.

At Family Winemakers of California Tasting in Del Mar. 3/5/2017.

Mar 5th, 2017
Mark Eastom

Bigger boy. Lots of oak and subtle fruit, but hasn't held up too well. Menthol, earth, vanilla and lacking acid.

Bigger boy. Lots of oak and subtle fruit, but hasn't held up too well. Menthol, earth, vanilla and lacking acid.

Apr 13th, 2016
Scott Shafto

The nose on this wine always smells off for the first 30 minutes. Like some Syrah it comes off hot. Takes some time to get that edge off.

The nose on this wine always smells off for the first 30 minutes. Like some Syrah it comes off hot. Takes some time to get that edge off.

Feb 18th, 2015
Robert McCall

Meaty, briny, dark fruit. Very yummy.

Meaty, briny, dark fruit. Very yummy.

Mar 15th, 2014
Rich Bluth

needs a few more years to reach its peak!

needs a few more years to reach its peak!

Dec 11th, 2023
Chris B.

Probably coming to the end of its lifespan but still mighty tasty. Inky dark color and a beguiling bouquet almost hide all the new oak in this. It’s got blackberry jelly, plums, cedar closet and black olives right out of the jar... but with some age on it, any quirkiness has been smoothed out.

Probably coming to the end of its lifespan but still mighty tasty. Inky dark color and a beguiling bouquet almost hide all the new oak in this. It’s got blackberry jelly, plums, cedar closet and black olives right out of the jar... but with some age on it, any quirkiness has been smoothed out.

Sep 15th, 2020
Daniel Berman

Ripe berries and spice framed by oak. Meaty. Black berry pie, ripe red berries, sage; subtle white pepper, charcoal finish. Touch of heat. Tannins from oak and fruit in harmony right now.

Ripe berries and spice framed by oak. Meaty. Black berry pie, ripe red berries, sage; subtle white pepper, charcoal finish. Touch of heat. Tannins from oak and fruit in harmony right now.

Jul 15th, 2018
Vashti Ferretti

Wine was rather pleasant and drank easily after 1 hour breathing afraid did not taste blk pepper which I was hoping for

Wine was rather pleasant and drank easily after 1 hour breathing afraid did not taste blk pepper which I was hoping for

Jan 7th, 2018