2021 Bien Nacido Vineyards Syrah Santa Maria Valley

• "Is Shaping up to Be One of the Wines of the Vintage" ~97 VM
• One of the Most Revered Vineyards in California
•  ONLY 250 Cases Were Made
• BHW has the Lowest Price Anywhere!
• Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles

About the Wine

The 2021 Bien Nacido Vineyards Syrah is an exceptional expression of one of the most revered vineyards in California. Located in the cool-climate heart of Santa Barbara County, Bien Nacido has been crafting world-class wines since 1973. Known as one of the most historic and prestigious vineyards in the Santa Maria Valley, it is where the vision of brothers Bob and Steve Miller took shape—transforming this legendary land into a renowned source of premium wine. With a vineyard that has stood the test of time and weathered decades of winemaking excellence, this Syrah is a shining example of what Bien Nacido represents.

Bien Nacido, which translates to "Well Born" in Spanish, has deep historical roots. Planted on the site of the Rancho Tepusquet land grant from the 1800s, the vineyard sits beneath the watchful eyes of an adobe home built in 1857. The vineyard, purchased by the Miller family in 1969, began its journey with 300 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and has since become one of the most celebrated vineyards globally. The estate is particularly known for its cool-climate Syrah, which thrives in the unique conditions of the region.

The 2021 Syrah comes from Block Z, one of the vineyard’s most prized areas. This block benefits from ample sunlight and a steady offshore wind, which together create ideal conditions for slow and even ripening. The result is Syrah that delivers intense concentration of flavor and complexity, showcasing everything that makes Bien Nacido unique. A small portion of Viognier is added to the blend, bringing a subtle floral lift that complements the Syrah’s rich depth.

The vineyard’s winemaking team, led by Anthony, has ensured that every detail of the wine reflects the quality and care that has been a hallmark of Bien Nacido’s winemaking tradition. With years of experience around the globe, Anthony continues the vineyard’s legacy of producing small-lot, high-quality wines that speak directly to the character of this remarkable land.

Aging: 16 months in French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes

100% Syrah. As is traditional from this Pacific Ocean facing block, the Syrah has beautiful aromas of lavender and honeysuckle alongside the earth. Followed by spiciness of chicharrónes, leather, blueberries, sage, and chocolate on the palate. Open today and enjoy the fresh fruit and flowers or age ten years and beyond as this Syrah continues to develop nuance and complexity.

Critic Review

The 2021 Syrah Estate Bien Nacido Vineyard shows just how compelling Syrah is in Santa Barbara. Rich, dense and vertical, with tons of driving energy, the 2021 is spectacularly beautiful. Inky dark fruit, spice, tobacco, menthol and lavender build as this layered, voluptuous Syrah shows off its alluring personality. The Bien Nacido Syrah is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage. ~97 Vinous Media

Syrah planted in 1995, the 2021 Bien Nacido Estate was aged in 40% new 600-liter French oak puncheons for 16 months. A fragrant and earthy nose of toasted black peppercorn, dried lavender flowers, mountain huckleberries, and fresh sage beckon you for more. Olive brine and meaty tones sit on the palate alongside ample acidity that doesn’t overpower and perfect levels of acidity to bring it all home. Only about 250 cases were made. ~95 Int'l Wine Review

Peppery herbs, gamey meats, bay leaf, bouquet garni, and darker plummy fruits all define the 2021 Syrah, a medium to full-bodied, deep, concentrated, incredibly impressive Syrah offering nicely integrated acidity and plenty of underlying tannins. Fermented with 1% Viognier and aged in 40% new French oak, it's going to benefit from a few years in the cellar and evolve for a decade. This beauty checks in at 13.5% alcohol. ~95 Jeb Dunnuck

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