Winery: Holus Bolus
Winemaker: Amy Christine & Peter Hunken
Origin: Presquile Vineyard, Santa Maria, California
Farming Practices: Certified Organic
Varietals: 100% Syrah
Vessel Ageing: 14 months 2-3 year-old French Oak.
Alcohol %: 13.5
Wine Spectator Score: 95
We launched HOLUS • BOLUS in 2005, with a commitment to releasing small batches of refined, artisanal wines, made from Chardonnay, Roussanne, Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.
In 2014, we planted a 5-acre hillside vineyard on the western boundary of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, known for its cool breezes and layered ancient marine soils.
Husband and wife winemaking partners Peter Hunken and Amy Christine aren’t afraid to be out of step with fads in the wine business.
“We aren’t trendy,” said Amy, who holds an MW (Master of Wine) designation from The Institute of Master of Wine in the UK. “We only work with time-honored noble varieties.”
Our grapes under the Holus Bolus label all come from single vineyards and are not blended to showcase the unique microclimates and soils in Santa Barbara County,” said Peter.
"The savory focus of this wine is immediately apparent, as the nose pops with iodine, kombu, green peppercorn, charred plum skin, tart olive, and smoldering pine-needle aromas. The palate is loaded with squid ink, more pine and olive, and underripe forest-berry flavors: umami for days. Matt Kettmann" - 96/100, Wine Enthusiast