Today we’re thrilled to bring you another terrific wine from our good friends at Bonny Doon. Their stunning 92 point (Tanzer) Bonny Doon 2009 Bien Nacido Syrah rocked our whole tasting panel. This is a big Syrah that was lovingly stored and aged to perfection. It has years left in it, but drinks beautifully now.

Bien Nacido is the birthplace of high-scoring, high-dollar wines from Gary Farrell Winery, Longoria, Sine Qua Non, Au Bon Climat, Ojai Vineyard, Paul Lato and Twomey - to name just a few. If you’ve ever had a Bien Nacido wine, you’re probably not even reading these words. You’ve probably already pushed the big red ‘buy’ button and are on your way to securing a case or two - before we run out.

This wine is very fragrant and full on the nose, with lush, concentrated Blackberry, blueberry, smoky cherry, pencil shavings, smoked meat, subtle dried herbs, loamy earth and a hint of fresh cracked pepper.

On the palate the wine is very balanced, with a bright acidity that is beautifully juxtaposed against earthy goodness. Bold blackberry, smoky Bing cherry, pomegranate, cranberry, cured meat, graphite, cigar box and a hint of white pepper.

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Here’s what the wine press has to say:

“Opaque ruby. Wild, intensely perfumed scents of blackberry, fruity black pepper, incense and smoked meat. Spicy and youthfully fruity, with a supple texture and slowly unfolding dark berry preserve, licorice, candied violet and smoky bacon flavors. A distinctly wild rendition of syrah, finishing with sweet tannins and lingering smokiness.” - 92 points - Stephen Tanzer’s IWC, November 2013

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“A classic Bien Nacido Syrah with its smoky dark fruit, mineral and pepper-driven bouquet, the 2009 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard X Block (100% Syrah aged 20 months in French oak puncheons) is medium to full-bodied, beautifully fruited and has a focused, pure feel on the palate. Outstanding juice, it should drink nicely now through 2019.” - 90 points - Jeb Dunnuck, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, August 2013