THE STORY
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while you will know that I am a sucker for Ballard Canyon AVA Syrah wines from Santa Barbara County. When we stumbled upon an Anonymous one at a bargain price on K&L Wine Merchants website, we knew we had to give it a try. This one was rated 94 points for only $20. For a Ballard Canyon Syrah. Crazy, right?
We’ve been experimenting with Anonymous wines for a while now and have been very pleased. You can try them yourselves by searching “Anonymous” on the K&L website. Love the labels – bottles wrapped in plain brown bags, reminiscent of a blind tasting.
THE WINE COLLECTIVE
From the Ryan Woodhouse’s K&L Newsletter introducing the Anonymous Wine Collective:
“The Anonymous Wine Collective is a dynamic range of wines made in collaboration between K&L and some of the most famous and critically acclaimed wineries in the biz. Some releases will be purely opportunistic, one-off wines, never to be repeated. Others will be ongoing collaborations where we work in tandem with world-class winemakers to make wines each year. Those ongoing relationships will be at the core of the project. Anonymous allows us to work with incredibly talented people and craft the wines, from vine to bottle. I’m proud to say that, with these first releases, I have personally walked in each of the vineyards from which they were sourced. The Anonymous Wine Collective isn’t about buying random, generic, soulless bulk wine. It’s about using our knowledge and long-cemented relationships to bring exceptional wines to our customers at prices that are a fraction of where these wines would typically sell. Our winery partners get an upfront commitment for the wines, often while they’re still in barrel; and in some cases while they’re still on the vine (now there’s trust for you)! In return, we get exceptional wine and phenomenal pricing, all while protecting the anonymity of the wineries behind the project.”
THE WINES
Today I am presenting 1 Anonymous wine. K&L notes come from the K&L website. Images come from anonymouswine.com, klwines.com and the back label of the bottle. Images are used with permission of K&L Wine Merchants. As a practice, I do not correct typos from winery websites. Any other mistakes are mine and mine alone.
2024 Anonymous Envy Block Syrah, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14% ABV, $20 (#1781)
K&L Notes: “Another first for the Anonymous Wine Collective: a Syrah under our house label. And what an absolute beauty to kick things off. Sourced from one single hillside block of vines, that we’ve named “Envy Block” due to it’s reputation as the sweet spot on this estate for producing the most potent and explosive Syrah. This very block is coveted by some of the most famed cult producers on the Central Coast and has produced multiple 100-point wines. Most wines sourced from this exact parcel retail between $80 and $160, many of them exclusive mailing-list offerings. Most wines sourced from this exact parcel retail between $80 and $160, many of them exclusive mailing-list offerings. Farmed with certified organic and biodynamic methods. The nose is wonderfully expressive with wild blackberry, black raspberry, dark cherry, dried herbs, violets, and hints of dusty earth. Beneath the exuberant fruit lies a compelling savory streak of cracked peppercorn, charred meat, and toasted exotic spice. Medium-plus in body, the wine carries a mouth-filling texture layered with fine tannins that provide impressive structure and length. The whole-cluster inclusion lifts the aromatics beautifully and keeps the wine fresh, energetic, and linear through the finish. This is a remarkably classy bottle of Syrah and, at this price point, an almost unbelievable value. I think it will resonate equally with lovers of savory Northern Rhône Syrah and fans of rich yet refined California Rhône-style wines. I couldn’t be happier with how this wine turned out – I only hope we made enough once people discover just how good it is for the money.” Ryan Woodhouse, K&L
My Review: The pretty garnet in the glass gives the appearance it’s going to be fruity. I get crushed berries, Concord grapes on the nose, big palate of intense fruits. Slightly bitter with a hint of earth on the finish. Tight upon opening, but then revealed a fabulous wine. For the price, it’s exceptional. May 2026.
© Decanting Monterey 2026
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