2018, The XO Reserve Syrah, Bien Nacido
Wine Enthusiast: 93/100
EDKA RATING: 95
| Price |
Members Price 30% off |
Mix 6 or More Get 15% Off |
|---|---|---|
| £125.50 | £87.85 | £106.68 |
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Description
A luxurious Syrah from the renowned Bien Nacido Vineyard, offering a rich and complex tasting experience.
About the Winery: The XO Reserve is crafted by a boutique winery known for its dedication to quality and terroir expression. Located in the Santa Maria Valley, the winery has received accolades for its meticulous vineyard management and elegant wines.
Vineyard & Terroir: Sourced from cool-climate parcels at Bien Nacido Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley, where marine influence, morning fog, and well-drained sandy loam soils yield Syrah with vibrancy, spice, and savoury nuance.
Appearance: Deep ruby with a hint of purple at the rim.
Aroma: Intense aromas of blackberry, black pepper, and subtle smoky notes, layered with violet, olive tapenade, cured meat, and a touch of graphite.
Palate: Rich flavours of dark fruit, with layers of spice and a touch of oak, leading to a long, smooth finish. Savoury hints of bacon fat and dried herbs add complexity, with mineral tension from the cool-climate site.
Body: Full-bodied with a velvety texture.
Tannins: Firm yet polished tannins, finely grained and well-integrated, offering structure without harshness.
Acidity: Medium acidity, providing balance and freshness to the wine.
Winemaking: Hand-harvested fruit; gentle extraction; partial whole-cluster fermentation to enhance spice and aromatic lift; matured in French oak (a mix of neutral and a modest portion new) to preserve site character.
Alcohol: Approximately 14-14.5% ABV.
Cellaring Potential: Best enjoyed now or can be cellared for up to 8-10 years for further complexity.
Perfect Pairing: Pairs beautifully with grilled lamb chops, beef stew, or roasted duck with a berry sauce. Also excellent with mushroom ragù, pepper-crusted steak, or smoked sausages.
Serving Temperature: 16-18°C
Decanting: Decant 45-60 minutes before serving to allow the aromatics to fully open.
The information on this wine is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. This information may be subject to change.