Santa Maria Valley

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Not since 2002 have we had such a small harvest, but this vintage gave us wine of fabulous quality. The cool weather during the summer and fall allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and preserve delicate aromatics that normally would be lost in warmer years. We’ve been making this wine since 1995 and this 2011 Syrah Bien Nacido is one of the best.

This Syrah has beautiful depth, with dark fruits and black pepper that segue into olive and game. This drinks surprisingly well now, but will continue to evolve positively for a decade or more.

Blend: 100% Syrah | Alc: 14.0% | Vinification: 14% New French Oak | Barrel Aging: 18 Months | Total Production: 166 cases

Press Reviews

Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“A drop-dead gorgeous wine, the 2011 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard is deep and powerful to the core. Blackberry, blueberry, tobacco, smoke and game meld together in an inward, implosive wine built on serious density. Black pepper, cloves and juniper berries add complexity on a finish laced with a suggestion of whole clusters. Readers who can be patient will be rewarded with a magnificent Syrah.” – AG 95 Points

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“The 2011 Syrah Bien Nacido is a classic Syrah from this brilliant site located just to the east of Santa Maria. Masculine in style, with ample pepper, smoked earth, crushed rock and violet-tinged dark fruits, this beauty flows onto the palate with medium-bodied richness, a firm, tight feel and ripe tannin. Give it a year in the cellar and drink it through 2021. ” – JD 91 Points