Outward Santa Ynez Valley Syrah 2023

The Land

Hailing from the rolling hills of Santa Ynez Valley, this 2023 draws from two neighboring sites: the Pace Vineyard, a cherished family project farmed with Ryan Pace’s father, Randy, and the Rusack Vineyard. These vineyards bask in the region’s bright, sunlit days, cooled by afternoon breezes and bracingly cold nights. This dramatic diurnal temperature swing preserves vibrant acidity in the fruit, balancing the richness imbued by the valley’s warmth. Together, these sites deliver a wine that captures the Santa Ynez Valley’s essence—ripe, expressive, and alive with freshness.

The Wine
Inspired by the wines of Côte Rôtie, this Syrah includes a 5% co-fermentation with Viognier, grown at the Pace Vineyard. The grapes were harvested by hand, fermented 100% whole cluster with native yeast, and spent 16 days on the skins before pressing. Aged for 10 months in neutral French oak, the wine emerges as a harmonious interplay of dark, brooding Syrah character and lifted floral elegance from the Viognier. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, it is a pure, unadulterated expression of the land. With aromas of black raspberries, blueberry, peppercorn, violets, and  complemented by notes of dried herbs and kalamata olive, this wine exudes complexity. Its vibrant acidity and structured tannins provide energy and a delicious wine for any occasion!

The People
Outward Wines is the partnership of Natalie Siddique and Ryan Pace, driven by a shared vision of crafting site-specific, minimal-intervention wines that celebrate California’s Central Coast. Farming organically across multiple vineyards, including the family-owned Pace Vineyard, they bring a deeply personal touch to every bottle. With roots in winemaking, global inspiration, and a commitment to allowing the land to speak through the wine, Ryan and Natalie have created a portfolio that is as adventurous and dynamic as the landscapes they cherish.

Food Pairings 

1. Vegetarian:
   Wild Mushroom and Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
   The earthy depth of wild mushrooms and lentils matches beautifully with the Syrah’s savory notes of black peppercorn and kalamata olive. Topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection, this dish brings out the wine’s rich, aromatic layers while the acidity cuts through the hearty texture.

2. Thanksgiving Classic:
   Herb-Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Sauce
   The wine’s vibrant acidity and berry notes pair effortlessly with roasted turkey, complementing the savory herbs and cutting through the richness of the meat and gravy. The tartness of cranberry sauce mirrors the Syrah’s fruit-forward elements, creating a harmonious balance. The wine is delicate enough to not overpower the meal.

3. Savory and Rustic:
   Braised Lamb with Olives and Rosemary
   The Syrah’s earthy and olive notes echo the flavors in this dish, while its structured tannins stand up to the lamb’s tender, slow-cooked richness. The rosemary’s herbal character brings out the wine’s floral and peppery nuances for a deeply satisfying and comforting cold weather pairing.