Delmore - Syrah - SLO Coast, CA - 2024

Notes from the Winery/Importer

The ultimate expression of cool climate Syrah, from both extremes of the SLO Coast AVA. This new release is 50% Rancho Arroyo Grande Vineyard and 50% Stolo Vineyard.

Estrella Clone Syrah from Rancho Arroyo Grande was picked on September 30th with 10% Viognier (Bonny Doon Clone) layered on top for an ideal cofermentation. So much of this is nostalgic for me. I made bucket wine out here in 2005 and 2006, plus I worked at Eberle (Estrella Clone) and Bonny Doon. The sea shell fossils are second to none too.

Stolo was picked November 7th at barely 12% alcohol, but with hang time intensity of color, flavor, mineral and spice.

I fermented both lots separately, and barreled down single vineyard style to wait out the four months it takes coastal Syrah to go through natural malolactic fermentation. Once finished, I put together a sample blend of both that was mind-blowing, with that bright Viognier lift making it both rich and refreshing.

On the new moon in May, we racked and blended the two vineyards, then returned the wine to two older French puncheons and three older French barriques to integrate a few months more.

Alcohol 12.5%. Unfined/filtered, with minimal sulfites. 180 cases bottled on August 21st, 2025.

Notes on the Producer

“Darren Delmore is a San Luis Obispo native who set out to work at numerous wineries across both hemispheres to return to his hometown and harness these vineyards' oceanic proximity. The through-lines at Delmore are organically farmed grapes, native fermentations with minimal sulfur additions, some whole bunches and élevage in neutral wood. The finished wines showcase aromatic purity, textural richness and an ever-present oceanic profile.”-Matthew Luczy, RobertParker.com