Piedrasassi Santa Maria Valley Bien Nacido Syrah 2015

Occasionally, we get lucky enough to get our hands on some old stock from our California producers. Such was the case with this wine, a 2015 Syrah from one of our very favourite winemakers in California, Sashi Moorman of Sandhi, Piedrasassi, and Domaine de la Côte. The Bien Nacido vineyard is found in the Santa Maria Valley - one of California's oldest AVAs - which straddles the border between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. The Syrah vines in this region are amongst the oldest on the Central Coast, producing a wonderfully expressive and aromatic iteration of the variety. Cooled by Pacific winds funneled through the transverse valleys of the coastal mountains, the fruit from this region yields a lighter style of Syrah, defined by its intense aromas of blue and black fruits. Vibrant on the palate with fresh, pure flavours and a beautifully pronounced acidity, this is an exceptional Syrah from one of California's great winemakers. The 2015 is in the midst of its prime, showing lovely tertiary notes but with tons of freshness and acidity. Perfect to drink today but capable of ageing for years to come, this is a true collectors item. 

93/100 - The 2015 Syrah Santa Maria Valley Bien Nacido Vineyard offers up a pretty bouquet of violets, rose petal, plum and grilled meat. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied and full of youthful energy, with a tight-knit core, fine-grained tannins and bright acids that carry through the sapid, tangy finish. Forget this in the cellar for a few years and then follow it for the next decade. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate