2021 Bien Nacido Syrah

Bien Nacido is one of the greatest and most storied vineyards in America. The combination of the terroir of Bien Nacido Vineyards, the diligence of the people who manage it, and the close relationships they have developed with so many of the producers in our local wine industry are the components of what make it so special. 

The vineyard sits in the Santa Maria Valley which is heavily influenced by the nearby Pacific Ocean.  Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah have found great expression here as the cool climate bestows fresh acidity, minerality, and delicious savoriness.  We have just under one acre block of organically farmed Estrella clone Syrah.

This bottling of Syrah was made by hand-picking late in the season, but due to the cool climate, the sugars remained low. The fruit was mostly destemmed, with about 15% whole clusters left in the tank.

We aged the wine for eighteen months in old French oak barrels 

The resulting Syrah is texturally, as fine a Syrah as we have ever produced. The tannins are long and fine, and the acidity is juicy and fresh.  This bottling is medium in weight, low in alcohol, and shows savory flavors of olive and earth with juicy black fruits and sage.