2003 SYRAH BIEN
NACIDO
Santa Maria Valley
It's surprising to have
these two syrahs together. I wouldn't have thought the Bien Nacido
would have the same density as the Thompson, but the 2003 it really
does. Of course the cooler climate of Santa Maria Valley makes
for a sleeker, higher acid wine, with a more classic northern
Rhone feel, but as far as overall intensity of flavor, these wines
are an even match. And like the Thompson, if you are going to
drink this wine now, I insist that you decant it several hours
before doing so to allow it to open up.
As I mentioned last year, since 2001 Bien Nacido has excelled
in vineyard management, and this has had a great impact on all
the wines we make from here. Viticulturalist Chris Hammell was
able to deliver near perfection in 2003 from our vineyard block
of syrah, anticipating and acting on every farming detail that
needed attention. This could turn out to be our best syrah from
this vineyard since 1996.