2021 Bien Nacido Syrah

Appellation

Santa Maria Valley

Varietal

Syrah

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

100% Bien Nacido Vineyard (block 11F) located in the Santa Maria Valley

Barrel Aging

Aged 21 months in 100% French oak, of which 40% is new

Cooperage

Francois Freres, Gillet

Technical Data

Composition

100% Syrah (Estrella clone)

Alcohol %

14.0

Acidity

0.660 g/100mL

3.67

Harvest Brix

26.2

Harvest Date

10/22/21

Production

242 cases

Description

The iconic Bien Nacido Vineyard, with a long history dating back to 1837, is a cool climate vineyard with rocky soils. While best known for producing critically acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it also produces fantastic Syrah.

The 2021 Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah will stain your glass a beautiful inky hue of opaque garnet. The nose offers enticing aromas of dark fruits accented by notes of black pepper, smoked meat and dark chocolate. On the palate, expect a velvety mouthfeel with well-integrated tannins, revealing layers of dark fruit compote, savory spices, and a touch of earthiness giving way to hints of dark chocolate and espresso on the long, satisfying finish.

Pair with slow-cooked meats, peppercorn steak, hearty stews, roasted duck or anything with bacon!

Wine Critic Reviews

"...Vibrant darker berries, cracked pepper, violets, and sage notes all define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a pure, elegant mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, integrated acidity, and a great finish." ~ Jeb Dunnuck "Solidly savory aromas of smoked meat and charcoal meld into rich berry-sauce touches on the nose of this bottling. The palate is dazzled by thyme, sage and fennel flavors that decorate the brisk berry flavors. Expect the savory elements to emerge on the palate with more patience, as a gamy note pops on the finish. Drink now–2041." ~ Wine Enthusiast "...a deep, potent wine. Blackberry fruit, mocha, spice and licorice are front and center. This is a particularly fruit-driven wine for this site, especially considering the 33% stems. I find the new oak (40%) a bit heavy in this vintage." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous