2022 Ledge Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 11 Santa Maria Valley 6pk 6x750ml

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. ~96 Jeb Dunnuck

The nose is pure and perfumed, with classical syrah notes of plums, dark cherries, mocha and white pepper. The palate is full-bodied with seamless tannins and bright acidity, showing notes of red currants, potpourri, bergamot and cured meat. Made from the Estrella clone, giving a complete and fresh wine with excellent balance. Drink or hold. ~ 95 James Sucling

Classic to the core, the 2022 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard blossoms in the glass with an array of grilled herbs, ashen stones, musky blackcurrant and exotic spice. Pure elegance, it is silken and pliant, with ripe red and black fruit swirling across a core of bright acidity. The finish is potent in length yet only gently tannic, leaving a pleasantly bitter twang of dark chocolate under an air of sweet sage. ~95 Vinous Media