SANTA MARIA VALLEY AVA  |  SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

Planted across two blocks up the hillsides overlooking Santa Maria Valley, Bien Nacido is our coolest-climate Syrah vineyard. The 2019 is a dark, full-bodied wine showing blackberry, black current, crushed pepper, and violet. Bright acidity and a supple mid-palate texture with mineral tension and a long, saline finish. This is a classic Bien Nacido Syrah that needs 2-3 years in bottle to show at its best and will easily age an additional 10.

Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck  95+ points ~ Black fruits, smoked meats, chocolate, pepper, and liquid violet notes all emerge from the 2019 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard, a richer, medium to full-bodied, expansive, yet still focused, elegant Syrah that has tons to love. Based on 99% Syrah and 1% Viognier that was 54% destemmed and co-fermented, aged 22 months in 27% new French oak, it will benefit from a year in bottle and drink brilliantly for a decade. Maturity 2023-2033. — Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous  94 points ~ The 2019 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard is powerful and elegant at the same time. Blue/purplish fruit, lavendar, spice, menthol, licorice, and chocolate give the 2019 notable depth and intensity. The 54% whole clusters are nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. This powerhouse Syrah is beautifully done. Drinking window 2024-2034. — Antonio Galloni

Wine Enthusiast  94 points ~ Tightly wound aromas of blackberry, dried beef, packed purple flowers, and light tar make for a dense though not overly ripe nose on this bottling from the historic vineyard. The wine is also dense and chalky on the palate, with black-fruit and blueberry flavors that are detailed in pepper, soy, and lavender. A comforting hit of vanilla shows on the finish. — Matt Kettmann

2018 Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard

Wine Enthusiast  93 points Cellar Selection ~ This sure-to-be long-lasting expression of this historic vineyard kicks off with snappy aromas of black raspberry, white pepper and charred meat on the nose. There is a fresh and edgy quality to the hearty palate, full of charred berries, black pepper and rounded violet flavors. It opens steadily with air. Drink now through 2038. — Matt Kettmann

2017 Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard

Jeb Dunnuck  97 points ~ The 2017 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard (there's 3% Viognier in the blend) sports a deep purple hue to go with ultra-classic aromas of blackberries, ground pepper, crushed violets, and bouquet garni as well as marine-like salty, gamey notes. It's awesome on the palate as well – full-bodied, seamless, flawlessly balanced, and offering just about everything you could want from Central Coast Syrah. It's going to evolve nicely for 10-12 years, although there's no need to delay gratification. Maturity 2020-2032. — Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous  94 points ~ The 2017 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard opens with stunning aromatics that carry through to the palate, where the wine is simply thrilling to experience. Black pepper, lavender, spice, licorice and cloves add striking perfume and a real sense of brilliance to this dark, brooding Bien Nacido Syrah from Jaffurs. This is a terrific showing. Drinking window 2022-2032. — Antonio Galloni