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2011 Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard, “X-Block

Wine Specs

Vintage

2011

Varietal

100% syrah

Appellation

Santa Maria Valley

Vineyard Designation

Bien Nacido

Pronunciation

bee-en nas-edo see-rah

6.20 g/L

3.58

Aging

Drinkable upon release (February 2015), 5-7 years ageability

Serving Temperature

55-60º F

Label Artist

Chris Freire

Alcohol %

Wine Enthusiast

2011 Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard, “X-Block"

94 points, Wine Enthusiast

“Randall Grahm notes that this is one of his best Syrahs from this historic vineyard, and it's hard to disagree. Aromas of gravel, just-crushed peppercorns, and blueberries lead into a lighter, airy, mineral-driven palate of black rocks, black pepper and boysenberry fruit. It's one of the better cool-climate Syrah around right now." Editor's Choice. -MK, December 2015

In Stock

Pin It

$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.

Ratings

94 POINTS, WINE ENTHUSIAST: Editor's Choice! “Randall Grahm notes that this is one of his best Syrahs from this historic vineyard, and it's hard to disagree. Aromas of gravel, just-crushed peppercorns, and blueberries lead into a lighter, airy, mineral-driven palate of black rocks, black pepper and boysenberry fruit. It's one of the better cool-climate Syrah around right now." - MK, December 2015

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

Bonny Doon Vineyard

2011 Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard, “X-Block"