From The Winery:
FLAVOR PROFILE
On the nose, there are enticing aromas of star anise, forest floor, and black licorice together with perfumed violets and dark ripe raspberry. This captivating nose is followed by mouth-filling flavors of juicy blackberry and sweet cinnamon and nutmeg rounded out by a full-body, soft tannins, and elegant acidity, as the fruit flavors ease into a subtle roasted coffee and sweet vanilla finish.
WINEMAKING
We used 30% whole clusters in open-top fermenters before destemming the rest. Following a three-day cold soak, we inoculated with various yeast strains, pressed just before dryness, and inoculated for malolactic fermentation. We went into barrel on light lees for seven months before blending. The wine was aged for 18 months in François Frères Burgundy barrels, 20% new.
ABOUT SANTA MARIA VALLEY
The wine is 100% Syrah from the Z Block at Bien Nacido Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley. Z Block was our first “custom” planting at Bien Nacido, planted in 1992 on a perfect southwest facing hillside.
ACCOLADES
“One of the best expressions/vintages of this iconic label and world-famous site. The lush aromas of chocolate, brandied blueberry and heather are heady and vibrant. Floral notes surge on the palate, accompanied by blue fruit and hightoned acidity. Silky tannins offer a gliding effect for cinnamon and baked raspberry pie. Sage and tarragon add a savory note to a majestic wine.” - Meredith May, The Tasting Panel Magazine, 96 Points
“Aromas of tar, gravel, baked soil and tightly wound boysenberry show on the nose. The palate is savory in tones of seaweed, squid ink and iodine yet rounded by elderberry and toasted sesame.” - M.K. Wine Enthusiast, 93 Points
“The 2017 Syrah Bien Nacido Hillside Estate is all Syrah that saw 30% stems and 18 months in 20% new French oak. It has a richer, riper bouquet of blackberries, ground pepper, leather, and sappy herbs. This carries to a medium to full-bodied wine with good acidity, a focused, mouthfilling texture, ripe tannins, and solid length. It should keep for a solid decade.” - Jeb Dunnuck, 90 Points
