2008 Syrah "Bien Nacido (X-Block)"

$42 per bottle / $453.60 per case
$35.70 per bottle / $403.20 per case (Members)

Bien Nacido in Santa Maria Valley is a very tony neighborhood, vitaceously speaking. The syrah from Bien Nacido Vineyard is most evocative of the character of the genuine Northern Rhône article of any syrah we see, likely owing to the exceptionally cool climate, the age of its (X-block) vines and calcareous soils. Tannic and meaty in the lower registers; peppery, minty and delicately floral in the top, all the while showing great balance and harmony.

The '08 vintage is drinking beautifully on release. It’s cherry red with a brilliant fuchsia-purple rim, and when first poured it offers a perfume of fresh red raspberry, rosemary, juniper berries, licorice, and star anise. As it reposes in the glass and decanter, it begins to yield aromas of earthy smoke, leather, and wild game. On the palate the wine is peppery but with supple tannins, with deep black bramble fruits and savory meatiness.

Pair this wine now with meaty, savory dishes and aged cheeses, including roasted game, smoked meats, aged Gouda or Pecorino, roasts rubbed with Herbes de Provence, or dishes with mushrooms, including truffle. It would also be excellent with barbecue, pulled pork, or smoked pork shoulder.

The wine is now very youthful and fresh, but is truly a special Syrah that will reward even years of cellaring. When consumed young, we recommend gently decanting for at least an hour prior to serving to allow its fullness to unfold.

Farmed using Biodynamic^® practices and harvested at a level of ripeness many California wineries would deem insufficient, but necessary (we believe) to elicit the elegance, nuance, vinosity and texture typical of true Rhône Syrah. Less intervention is what we are after; discreet use of oak, moderate alcohol, savory rather than jammy fruit and saying Yes to the wine's expression of place, the flavor of the varietal, and the soul of the vine. The expression of these later elements is encouraged by “reductive” élevage—minimal racking and conservation of lees.

Vital Statistics
Blend: 100% syrah
Vineyard: Bien Nacido
Appellation: Santa Maria Valley
Alcohol by Volume: 13.9%
Serving Temp: 55-60ºF
Cellaring: 20+ years from release (Nov. 2011)
Production: 573 cases