Medium ruby-purple, the 2018 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard offers deep aromas of cassis and black cherries with wafts of aniseed and lavender. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and integrated freshness that elevates touches of pepper and floral perfume on the finish.

Deep ruby-purple and with 3% Viognier, the 2016 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard has a wonderful nose of dried violet, cracked green and black peppercorn, black olive, roasted coffee, bitter chocolate and a core packed to the gills with warm black and blue fruits. Full-bodied, it has tons of fruit and savory layers, with very firm, chewy tannins and just enough freshness to lift that impenetrable flavor through to the finish. Wowza!

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard has expressive black currants, plums and dried blueberries notes over suggestions of tilled soil, tar and peppered salami. Very big, full-bodied and rich in the mouth, the palate delivers dried berries and balsamic notes framed by firm, chewy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long.

Blackberries, crushed rocks, peppery herbs, violets and hints of salty minerality all emerge from the concentrated, full-bodied, beautifully layered 2013 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard. Aged 22 months in 24% new oak, this sensational Syrah has serious richness, yet never seems heavy, has building, fine tannin and a rocking finish. Hats off to this team for another terrific effort.

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.