Bien Nacido Estate Syrah Santa Maria Valley 2018 750ml

94 POINTS: VINOUS –The 2018 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard captures the essence of this site so well. Dark, aromatic and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2018 is propelled by beams of tannin that give the wine energy and focus. Inky dark fruit, lavender, licorice, black pepper and grilled herbs develop in the glass, building into the textured finish. The 2018 will benefit from a bit of time to soften, but it is incredibly delicious and inviting now. –Antonio Galloni

93 POINTS: WINE ENTHUSIAST –Dark fruit aromas are wrapped up in crushed stone, charred wood and dry soil elements on the nose of this bottling. The palate is very floral, offering flavors of crumpled lavender and violet, with hints of tar and inky fruit as a taut structure packs it all together.

MISSION NOTES:This is a big, mouth-coating Syrah that manages to pack in the concentration without ever coming off as cloying, overripe, or extracted. It’s also one of the most exciting new Syrahs we’ve tasted this side of the Rhone, for a price that should grab the attention of Cte-Rtie lovers.