Bien Nacido The XO Reserve Syrah 2018

Always among California’s best Syrahs, XO is sourced from Bien Nacido Vineyards’ famed X-Block. These vines were planted in 1973, this section being grafted to Syrah in 1987. The nose is wild and animalistic, showing off beef jerky, olive tapenade, roasted meat and espresso. Upright and sturdy on the palate, bright black fruits give wonderful lift to the savoury, earth-driven finish. A benchmark for Santa Barbara County. Drinking window: 2021-2046. Score – 97. (Matthew Luczy, decanter.com, Feb. 15, 2021)