2020 Ojai Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah [WE96][JD95]

Producer: The Ojai Vineyard  
Region: Santa Maria Valley, Central Coast, California 
Varietal: Syrah    
Year: 2020 

Wine Enthusiast, 96 Points 

"Crunchy aromas of black raspberry, white pepper and singed meat show on the nose of this bottling, which showcases the Syrah potential of this vineyard in all its cool-climate glory. The peppery spice of the palate is immediate and thorough, enlivening the crisp raspberry and elderberry flavors. Hints of lavender linger on the finish." 

Jeb Dunnuck, 95 Points 

"Textbook Bien Nacido notes of smoky black fruits, bouquet garni, black pepper, and subtle gamey, violet nuances define the 2020 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard, a medium-bodied, balanced, elegant Syrah with good concentration as well as the more focused, nicely structured, balanced style favored by this estate. It's drinking beautifully today, yet there's no reason this won't evolve for 15-20 years if well stored." 

Winemaker Notes: 

"This 2020 bottling screams Bien Nacido Syrah with its distinctive cool-climate character. Our 2020 Syrahs are all super site-expressive, which you might not expect considering how hot the vintage was. The aromatics here are redolent with Bien Nacido’s typical spruce and violets woodsiness, along with olive, asphalt, and cured beef. The vintage really shows in the brawn here. There’s a commanding entry with dark berries, herby olives and oak-fired meat saturating the palate, then the wine tapers into spices, graphite, and sneaky floral notes throughout its grippy finish." 

Alcohol: 14.5% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.