The Sta. Rita Hills may be famous for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but the true accolade star of the region is a deeply brooding, powerhouse Syrah. Sourced from the highest-elevation blocks of the iconic El Jabali estate, where brutal coastal winds and sandy soils force the vines to struggle, the 2022 Alma Rosa Syrah “El Jabali” is our absolute favorite New World Syrah tasted in 2026. It has captured the undivided attention of the wine world, racking up matching 96-point scores from Vinous and Jeb Dunnuck. This is an unmissable opportunity for Daily Feature members to secure a flawlessly sculpted allocation of this benchmark bottling.

This spectacular release carries the undeniable signature of California wine pioneer Richard Sanford—the iconic "Mr. Sta. Rita Hills" himself—who single-handedly put this cool-climate region on the map and drove its official AVA status. After founding and later moving on from his namesake winery, Richard poured his soul into seeking out the unique terroir of the El Jabali vineyard, which remains Alma Rosa's crown jewel estate holding. This 100% estate Syrah represents the pinnacle of his viticultural vision, marrying heritage clones (71% 877 and 29% Tablas Creek) with meticulous aging in 70% new French oak.

This is a rare, soaring opportunity to stock your cellar with a critically adored, impeccably framed American standard-bearer poised for peak enjoyment right now.

Tasting Note

Deep and brooding with striking aromas of dark chocolate, warm nutmeg, charred wood, and black fruit. The palate is a riveting cascade of cooked berries, figs, black licorice, and chicory, supported by firm, structural tannins and lifted by nuances of black tea and elegant violets on an intensely savory, perfectly balanced finish.

Cheers and taste well, 

Critical Acclaim:

96 Points, Vinous Media:

“The 2022 Syrah El Jabali is fabulous. Rich and explosive in the glass, the 2022 dazzles with its tension and energy. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, licorice, spice and dried flowers open effortlessly, then build into a deep, resonant finish. All the elements are so well balanced. The 30% stems are perfectly integrated within the wine’s framework. This is a fabulous offering from Alma Rosa—then again, we are in one of the great corners of California for Rhône varieties.”

96 Points, Jeb Dunnuck:

“Fermented with 30% stems and brought up in 60% new French oak, the 2022 Syrah El Jabali just about jumps out of the glass with its awesome aromatics of juicy black and blue fruits, bay leaf, ground pepper, and iron-like aromas and flavors. These carry to a full-bodied Syrah that has a beautifully layered mouthfeel, building tannins, and a juicy, lively, powerful yet always balanced and graceful style offering tons to love. This classic Sta. Rita Hills Syrah will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and evolve gracefully over the following 10-12 years.”