Reviews
This full-bodied, tannic wine immediately impresses with its deep, rich fruit flavors, complemented by elegant black pepper and subtle floral hints. On the palate, it becomes juicy and sumptuous, with ripe blackberries, black currants, and cocoa melding seamlessly to create a well-balanced and satisfying experience.
Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah 2021
Santa Maria Valley
93 points - International Wine Report
Vineyard & Region
Bien Nacido Vineyard is undoubtedly one of the most legendary vineyards in all of California. Situated in the cool Santa Maria Valley in Santa Barbara County. It is one of the oldest cool-climate vineyards and home of the world’s most single vineyard designations, Bien Nacido Vineyard has been an acclaimed source of world-glass grapes and estate wine since its founding in 1973 by brothers Stephen and Bob Miller.
Varietal Composition & Elevage
100% Syrah in 50% new French oak for 15 months
Winemaking
This wine is a blend of Estrella clone and 383 grapes, which are fermented separately. These grapes come from Blocks 11b and 48. They are hand-picked, fully destemmed, with 30% of the stems reintroduced during fermentation. The process starts with a 3-day cold soak in an open-top tank, with three punchdowns daily. The wine remains in contact with the skins for a total of 24 days.
Tasting Notes
The 2021 Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah is an intensely colored wine that pours an opaque deep red. The nose is brambly with spicy black pepper and violet floral notes. This full-bodied Syrah is round and silky with flavors of ripe berry compote, wild thyme blackberries, sea spray, and coco-powder. Ready to drink now, but further aging will be rewarded.
Technical Data
pH: 3.75 TA: 6 g/L Alc: 14.9%
- Blend100% Syrah
- AppellationSanta Maria Valley
- VineyardBien Nacido
- Aging/Cooperage50% New French Oak