Another awesome Syrah from this team, the 2012 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard (100% destemmed and aged 22 months in 23% new French oak) shows the classic, cool-climate characteristics of this site with its searing white pepper, crushed rock, spice and black cherry-like aromas and flavors. More fresh and focused than previous vintages, it's still full-bodied and nicely concentrated, with perfect balance, nicely integrated acidity and sweet tannin. It's certainly far from unapproachable now, yet I suspect it will show better next year and have 10-15 years of ultimate longevity.

Vivid purple. Pungent aromas of dried cherry, blackberry and musky herbs, with a subtle floral nuance building in the glass. Plush, concentrated and expansive, offering smoky cherry compote, dark berry and licorice flavors and a hint of black pepper. Chewy tannins shape the clinging, spicy finish, which leaves a smoky note behind.