Among the highly acclaimed Bien Nacido vineyards, Sashi selected Block X (planted in 1973, facing south, high altitude, exposed to strong winds) and Block Z (planted in 1992, facing southwest, high altitude, steep slope, rare plot with limestone soil). The grapes, which have been subjected to a lot of stress, have a richness typical of California and a spicy taste reminiscent of the northern Rhone region of France. The finish speaks of the unique character of the vineyard, which has been subjected to gentle extraction and a long maceration period.
Technical information
Winemaking and ageing: Following tradition, 100% whole-cluster fermentation, gentle extraction for 27 days in open concrete tanks, long maceration period, gentle pressing and ageing in 225 litre French barrels for 12 months and 500 litre French barrels for 4 months.
No SO2 added before bottling.
Production volume: 158 cases
Field Information
Bien Nacido Vineyards
Located in the Santa Maria Valley AVA, this is a famous vineyard known for being used by Au Bon Climat and Ojai.
Located about 30km inland from the coast and backed by a coastal mountain range, this is a cool growing region with ample sunshine during the day and cold winds and fog from night to morning.
Sashi Moorman used only X blocks until 2015, but from 2016 he has used X and Z blocks.
Block Z was planted in 1992 and faces southwest. It is a rare plot with a high altitude, steep slope and soil containing limestone.
Adam Trumack of Ojai has loved and used this plot for many years, and it is also a meaningful plot to Sashi, who began his career as a winemaker under Adam.
Block X was planted in 1973 with the Estrella River clone (said to be from the Chapoutier plot in the Northern Rhône) on a southwest-facing slope with clayey soil exposed to strong winds.
Grown biodynamically, this is now one of the oldest plots of vines, producing grapes with strong structure.
Both Z and X are high altitude and highly stressed plots.
This wine is a balance of the minerality from Z and the richness from X, resulting in a wine that combines the richness that is characteristic of California with a spiciness reminiscent of cooler regions such as the Northern Rhone.
Following tradition, 100% whole-cluster fermentation, gentle extraction for 27 days in open concrete tanks, a long maceration period, gentle pressing and ageing in 225 liter French barrels for 12 months and 500 liter French barrels for 4 months.
No SO2 added before bottling.
Production volume: 158 cases
Vintage: 2020
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Medium bodied
Main variety: 100% Syrah
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Santa Maria Valley
Nested AVAs: Santa Maria Valley
Vineyard: Bien Nacido Vineyard
Notes: 94P vinous June 2022 by Antonio Galloni
Winemaker: Sashi Moorman
Winemaking: 100% whole bunch, open concrete tank fermentation, no added SO2
Aging: 18 months in French barrels (12 months in 225-liter barriques, 6 months in 500-liter puncheons). A small amount of SO2 added at bottling.
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 12.8%