Bien Nacido produces some of California’s most sought-after cool climate wine grapes. The block sourced for this wine is a low-vigor site found at a higher elevation of about 700 feet above the valley floor, where the microclimate is especially cool and windy. Soils are rocky, shallow and well-drained. These harsh conditions naturally restrict yields and produce small, concentrated berries.

I have found that a fusion of Australian and French winemaking techniques brings out the best expression of the Syrah grape. The goal is to maximize extraction up front before the midpoint of fermentation to preserve the fruit character and avoid harsh tannins. The grapes were given a 4 to 5 day cold soak during which time a saignée was drawn off to further enhance concentration. ‘Rack and returns’ were performed for additional extraction. The wine aged nine months in 60-gallon French oak barrels with 40% new oak in the mix.