2019 Bien Nacido Vineyards Syrah, Santa Maria Valley, USA (750ml)

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:

Co-planted and co-fermented with Viognier, this wine is an homage to the Northern Rhone Valley while remaining quintessentially Bien Nacido. Lavender, sage and flame seared meats dominate the aromatics while papaya and other tropical fruits began to show as the wine opens and breathes. Generous fruit character on the palate gives way to incredibly silky tannins that carry through the finish.

TASTING NOTES:

The 2019 Syrah Estate, which was co-fermented with a splash of Viognier, was made with about 35% whole clusters and matured in 35% new 600-liter demi-muids. It has a deep ruby-purple color and gregarious aromas of blue and black berry preserves, cracked pepper, chargrill and purple flowers. The full-bodied palate has a fine, chalky texture and fresh expression, with detailed aromatic nuances lingering on the finish.

– Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 94 pts.

The dense purple 2019 Syrah (99% Syrah and 1% Viognier) is a striking, cool-climate Syrah that boasts a gorgeous nose of ripe blackberries, huckleberries, peppery herbs, cedar, and spice. This carries to a medium-bodied Syrah with terrific overall balance, a round, layered texture, and that rare mix of ripe fruit and stunning purity and freshness. It reminds me of a modern Cornas with its incredible purity yet slightly wild, classic Syrah character.

– Jeb Dunnuck, 94 pts.

Very dark fruit aromas range from roasted to slightly tart on the nose of this bottling, and there are hints of tar and cracked black pepper as well. Firm, somewhat gritty tannins frame the sip, where herbs, lilac and roasted black-fruit flavors align. Needs a tad more time. Drink 20232035.

– Wine Enthusiast, 93 pts.