2006 Qupé Syrah Bien Nacido Hillside Estate

A beautiful wine, the 2006 Qupé Syrah Bien Nacido Hillside Estate, 100% Syrah with a touch of whole cluster, yields complex, vibrant aromatics of raspberry and fresh plums, saddle leather, peppered meat, and exotic floral notes. Fantastic on the nose, the palate is still tight and un-evolved, showing medium body, a tight, energetic texture, solid concentration through the middle, vibrant acidity, and a very long, classy finish. This is a wine to hide in the cellar for 10 years and then serve blind to your Northern Rhône loving friends. Impressive and a complete steal at the current prices this is going for.

Vivid ruby color. Smoky red and dark berry aromas are complemented by nuances of cracked pepper, dried flowers and apricot pit. Pliant, gently sweet black raspberry and cassis flavors are framed by dusty tannins that quickly fade into the lush fruit. Packs a good punch but doesn't come off heavy, finishing with good clarity and echoes of rose and smoky spices and herbs. This is delicious right now.

A Crozes-Hermitage look-alike, the 2006 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard Hillside Estate exhibits notes of graphite, tapenade, damp earth, and black cherries in its medium-bodied, earthy, spicy personality. The other wines came across as superficial, with little depth and texture. While pleasant, given this estate’s talent and experience, I expected something more interesting. One of the Central Coast’s pioneers for Rhone varietals is Bob Lindquist’s Qupe winery. Tel. (805) 688-2477