Winemaker Bob Lindquist considers this one of the very best vintages he has experienced on the Central Coast. This Syrah is grown in the Z-Block at Bien Nacido Vineyard, five acres planted exclusively for Qupe in 1992, grown on a southwest-facing slope. It’s an age-worthy wine that will continue to improve over the next decade, but it’s difficult to resist now. Offering rich aromas and flavors of ripe black cherry, boysenberries, and earthy notes, it’s fragrant with spice and white pepper, this full-bodied wine is layered with flavor. Impress your dinner companions by pairing it with rack of lamb, grilled quail, or a great New York or ribeye steak. Available at Qupe’s Los Olivos tasting room, $45 retail.
This article appears in Jul 30 – Aug 6, 2009.