Holus Bolus Syrah Santa Barbara Co 2023

Holus Bolus is one of the labels that wife and husband Amy Christine and Peter Hunken have for thier work in Santa Barbara County. This bottling comes from three cool sites: Robert Rae and Hines vineyards at the eastern edge of Sta. Rita Hills and Bien Nacido Vineyard in Santa Maria Valley. The nose opens with pepper, crushed rocks, tart cherry, plum, and some olive tapenade. The palate is moderate in weight with a good mix of savory olive and pepper nicely balanced by red and black fruits. This would go wonderfully with lamb chops or tandoori dishes. - D&M TASTING NOTES (MK, 02/2026)

PRODUCER NOTES:

OVERVIEW: “A cool climate Syrah blended from three vineyards: Robert Rae and Hines vineyards at the eastern edge of Sta. Rita Hills and Bien Nacido Vineyard in Santa Maria Valley. Aged for 11 months in neutral French oak. An olive tapenade delight! (13.5% ABV)”

CRITICAL ACCLAIM:

“This is a fascinating wine every vintage, smelling much like a walk coastal chaparral as a dense morning fog coats the sagebrush, with pops of raspberry and pepper along the way. The palate explodes with rosemary, sansho pepper and then black pepper spices, with the fruit flavor coming from underripe raspberry and grilled cherry tomato.” – 95 PTS, MATT KETTMAN, WINE ENTHUSIAST (11/2025)