Bien Nacido Estate Syrah 2018
The Bien Nacido Estate Syrah is one of the most classic expressions of the estate. Their Syrah planting was one of the first cool-climate plantings in California, demonstrating great complexity. The Estate Syrah is sourced entirely from Block Z and is always crafted with a small portion of Viognier for a softer, floral tone. This block receives ample sunlight and a strong, offshore wind, which evenly - but slowly - ripens the grapes, leading to intensely concentrated flavours. Year in, year out, aromas of fresh violets, cracked white pepper and blueberry pie dominate this exceptional selection, with a fresh herbs-de-Provence note in the background. Given time, this wine offers delicious flavours of summer sausage and sweet leather. The Estate Syrah is fermented naturally and is aged for 18 months in 10% new French oak. Co-planted and co-fermented with Viognier, this wine is an homage to the wines from 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. Open today and enjoy the fresh fruit and flowers or age ten years and beyond as this Syrah continues to develop nuanced complexity.
