Lindquist Family 2020 Syrah "Z Block" Bien Nacido 750ml

The 2020 Syrah Bien Nacido Z Block comes from the original hillside block of Syrah at Bien Nacido Vineyard, planted in 1992, and it saw one-third whole clusters as well as 20 months in 60% new French oak. It's slightly more harmonious and layered than the X Block and has terrific blackberry, currant, smoked meat, and chocolaty herb notes in its rounded, medium to full-bodied, gorgeously textured profile. With some smoky, peppery, meaty notes developing with time in the glass, this beauty has beautiful tannins, perfectly integrated acidity, and a great finish. It's another stunning Syrah from this team that will evolve for 15+ years.

Score: 95 points -- Jeb Dunnock, jebdunnock.com, 2023

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Bob Lindquist is a Santa Barbara veteran who has been making compelling wines for decades. These days, Lindquist has his own labels, but the wines are quite similar in style to those that brought him so much acclaim at Qupé, specifically white and red Rhônes.