Qupé Syrah Bien Nacido Hillside Estate Santa Maria Valley 2013

“A single-vineyard wine from the first ‘Z block’ custom planting at Bien Nacido, the 2013 vintage is the 20th release of this label by the inimitable Bob Lindquist. Traditional winemaking methods include open top fermenters, partial whole-cluster fermentation and manual punch-downs. The wine received 22 months in French oak barrels, 60% new, with 10% saignée barrel fermented. The end product is wonderfully pure and bright with an almost Pinot Noir-like transparency. The sweet red and black fruits are still very primary, with a twist of cracked pepper. Elegant, zippy and vibrant with a long, dry finish.”