Whitcraft Winery 'My Friend Matt's Vineyard aka Clover Creek' Syrah, Santa Ynez Valley, California

Perched above the Santa Ynez River on a clay-rich mesa scattered with granite, chert, and sandstone galets, 2022 Whitcraft Winery My Friend Matt’s Vineyard aka Clover Creek Syrah pulses with energy and character. This limited-production bottling, just 89 cases, marries the savory, peppery elegance of a Northern Rhône classic with California’s sunlit vibrancy. Drake Whitcraft crafts it with precision and restraint, letting the vineyard’s unique personality shine in every glass.

Product Details:

• Varietal: Syrah
• Vineyard: C5 Vineyard (Los Olivos District)
• ABV: 12.8%
• Harvest Date: 09-26-2022
• Bottling Date: 07-22-2023
• Cases Produced: 89
• Winemaker: Drake Whitcraft

Sensory Description:

This Syrah immediately draws you in with aromas of black pepper, hints of olive, and dark, meaty undertones. The palate bursts with fresh purple fruit layered over a savory core, offering both lift and depth. Its mouthfeel is velvety yet vibrant, carried by bright acidity and seamlessly integrated tannins. More reminiscent of a refined Northern Rhône than a typical California Syrah, it’s a study in restraint and elegance.

Winemaker's Background:

Founded in 1985 by Chris and Kathleen Whitcraft, Whitcraft Winery has long been known for its small-lot, terroir-driven wines crafted with minimal intervention. Today, Drake Whitcraft continues the family’s legacy, focusing on precision, purity, and site expression. With deep ties to Santa Barbara County and relationships with iconic vineyard sites, the winery produces wines that speak authentically of their origins.

Serving Suggestions:

Best enjoyed slightly cool, around 60°F, to highlight its aromatic complexity and balance. Pair with grilled lamb chops, roasted duck with black olives, or wild mushroom risotto for a match that enhances its savory-spiced profile. This Syrah will shine now but also reward careful cellaring through 2030.

The 2022 My Friend Matt’s Vineyard aka Clover Creek Syrah is a masterclass in tension and elegance, bright, savory, and irresistibly drinkable. For those who crave Syrah with both personality and poise, this bottling offers a rare opportunity to experience the Whitcraft signature at its most refined.