2005 Qupé Syrah, Bien Nacido Hillside Estate, California

This outstanding Syrah comes from a 5-acre block planted in 1992 on a south-west facing hillside 800 feet above the valley floor. The implicit coolness is perfect for allowing the Syrah to retain the freshness which allows it to express its spicy, smoky character to the full. After a few days of cold soaking a portion of the juice is run off ton be fermented in new oak barrels, the majority being left to ferment in tank. The barrel-fermented wine is added back to the blend afterwards and this process is now carried out each year, as owner Bob Lindqvist relishes the slightly toasty, mocha-like touch to the final flavour.

The wine then spends 20 months in French barriques, 66% new, before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. The sweet, brambly character of the Syrah is beautifully underpinned by the fresh, crisp acidity, ripe tannins and peppery, tarry aromas. A classic Syrah, and from one of the greatest vintages in this part of California in recent years.
(Alun Griffiths MW, BBR Wine Director)