
Wine Specs
Vintage
2011
Varietal
100% syrah
Appellation
Santa Maria Valley
Vineyard Designation
Bien Nacido
Pronunciation
bee-en nas-edo see-rah
TA
6.20 g/L
pH
3.58
Aging
Drinkable upon release (February 2015), 5-7 years ageability
Serving Temperature
55-60º F
Label Artist
Chris Freire
Alcohol %
12
Wine Enthusiast
94
2011 Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard, “X-Block"
94 points, Wine Enthusiast
In Stock
$50.00 per bottle / $540.00 per case
$42.50 per bottle / $480.00 per case (Members)
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Surprisingly plush with soft tannins and the suggestion of smoked meat in the lower register; peppery minty and delicately floral in the upper range, this wine clocks in at a scant 12% potential alcohol.
Awards
“Exceptional" - DAN BERGER'S VINTAGE EXPERIENCES: “A truly great wine because of its black pepper, violet and blueberry aroma, honed tannins and classic Rhone Valley aftertaste. A sensational wine." - July 9, 2015
Vineyard Notes
2011 was a cool and challenging year that nonetheless (or indeed perhaps because of the Great Coolth) yielded perhaps the most exciting Bien Nacido in recent memory. (Before the climate changed so dramatically in the Santa Maria Valley, ultra-cool vintages were quite routine.)
Winemaker Notes
The ’11 “Block-X” will age very gracefully indeed, and should reach its optimal momento de vinous verdad in five to seven years.
Food Pairing Notes
Fried Brussel sprout chips, pork meatballs with cherry chutney, pork belly.
Production
463 cases