The story of Bien Nacido’s X Block began as a request in the early 1980s by Bob Lindquist of Qupé to graft over some old Riesling vines to experiment with Syrah. Since then, with its wild and bold character, the X Block has become one of Bien Nacido’s most sought plantings as one of the most consistent vineyard blocks in all of California.

Bob Lindquist, Qupé founder and winemaker, celebrated 30 years of passion and innovation with the creation and release of his 30th Anniversary Syrah. The Qupé 30th Anniversary Syrah is sourced from Bien Nacido’s X Block, one of the oldest blocks on the vineyard, and has been crafted in an Old World style. This wine was bottled and sold in October 2012 exclusively at the Qupé Tasting Room in Los Olivos. Its release was part of a season of festivities and celebration for one of the Central Coast’s iconic wine brands. Qupé established its cutting-edge style in 1982, when the winery produced the first Syrah in Santa Barbara County. The celebration of its 30th vintage culminated with the release of this 30th Anniversary Syrah.

The first Syrah planted in cool-climate California, the X Block is still considered a visionary choice in Santa Barbara. Far before anyone believed Syrah could ripen, The Miller Family grafted some Syrah in 1987. To everyone’s surprise, this small portion of Syrah excelled. Today it is one of Bien Nacido’s most valued blocks. The X Block rows always have very shot berries, which leads to a very concentrated black color.