Bien Nacido Vineyard
Block 11 Syrah
From Santa Maria Valley’s famed Bien Nacido Vineyard, this is entirely Estrella clone Syrah from Block 11, which sits atop at panoramic view of the San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County line. This vineyard enjoys maritime soils and climate with the pacific ocean on the other side of the valley. Sandy loam, chalk, gravelly loam and marine loam.
Appellation Santa Maria Valley AVA
-
Blend 100% Syrah
Alcohol % 15.8
Blackberries, ground pepper, liquid violets, scorched earth, and graphite are just some of the nuances in the 2022 Syrah Block 11 Bien Nacido Vineyard, an incredibly textured, medium to full-bodied Syrah that has ultra-fine tannins and a pure, concentrated, incredibly multi-dimensional personality. It shows the more elegant, pretty style of the vintage (it would pass undetected in a lineup of Côte Rôtie) and is clearly up with the crème de la crème of the vintage. It should be snatched up by savvy readers and enjoyed over the coming decade. This cuvee is 100% Syrah that spent 20 months in 70% new French oak. There are a scant 250 cases produced. Going forward, Ledge will be getting more fruit from Bien Nacido, so you can expect the production to increase.
96pts, DUNNUCK -
Blend 100% Syrah
Alcohol % 15.8
The 2021 Syrah Block 11 Bien Nacido Vineyard brings another level of purity and precision, as well as concentration, compared to the 2022. All Syrah aged 20 months in 60% new barrels, its deep ruby/purple hue is followed by a truly sensational Syrah that has a layered, nuanced bouquet of blackberries, smoked game, peppery herbs, iron, and bouquet garni-like herbal notes. It's full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, with a pure, layered, seamless mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and that rare mix of purity, elegance, and richness. I would gladly put this side by side with the greatest Côte Rôtie out there, and it's a magical, seamless Syrah that could come from nowhere else. Give bottles 2-3 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following 15 years.
100pts, DUNNUCK