2021 Site Wines Red Wine Larner Vineyard Ballard Canyon Santa Barbara County 750 ml

Site Wines are treasures. Usually only available straight from the winery or at restaurants like The French Laundry, SingleThread, Meadowood, and Lazy Bear, they inspire sell-outs just about every time we offer them.

Made by an all-star winemaker from what Robert Parker calls “a site that would merit Grand Cru status in France,” the 96-point 2021 Red Wine Larner Vineyard shows off all the “excellent minerality, ripe fruit, and distinct personality” that Parker noted as Larner’s terroir signature. Powerful yet refined, with dark blackberry, plum, cassis, and a good splash of peppercorns and floral tones, it’s a stunning wine.

In general, if you want to taste some of the greatest red wines being made in California right now, you’re wise to pick up a bottle with Jeremy Weintraub’s fingerprints on it.

The personal project of the former Seavey (Napa) and current Adelaida (Paso Robles) winemaker, Site’s aim is to explore Santa Barbara’s world-class vineyards. Jeremy lets the terroir and vintage dictate the style, with no dogma or preconceptions. It’s a philosophy that has landed his wines in regular rotation at Michelin-starred spots across the country.

For this stunning bottle, he turns to Larner Vineyard, which is located at the southern edge of wind-whipped Ballard Canyon. Meticulously farmed and coveted for its Syrah and Grenache, Larner boasts exceptionally well-drained sandy soils that remind us of some of the most legendary terroirs in the Rhône.

Sandy soiled wines are renowned for their soaring aromatics, and this blend of 82% Syrah, 15% Grenache, and 3% Viognier delivers in spades. You’re going to want to revel in the aromas for hours, and the wine’s full-bodied silkiness on the palate extends its luxury feel into a long, spicy finish. This was born for fall and winter drinking, and will pair perfectly with a garlic studded leg of lamb, a cassoulet—or even a classic pot roast if you want to elevate an everyday dish.