2011 Qupé Syrah Bien Nacido Hillside Estate
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Tasting notes
Bright, fresh, tangy, peppery red fruits on the nose and palate. There is a lot of lift and freshness in the medium bodied, spicy, red berry finish. 90 Points
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
One of the stars in the lineup is the 2011 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard Hillside Estate. Raised 20 months in 50-60% new French Burgundy barrels, it has a classy elegance to go with pretty, crunchy notes of berry fruits, pepper, underbrush and violets. Possessing terrific tension, elegance and purity, with fine tannin, drink it anytime over the coming decade.
The 2011 Syrah Bien Nacido Hillside Estate shows just how good this maligned vintage can be in right hands. If anything, I am surprised Bob Lindquist opted to use 100% new barrels for this wine, but the oak has integrated nicely. Sweet red plum, cherry pit, smoke, licorice, rose petal and savory herbs hit the intense, powerful finish to round things out. The 2011 is perhaps just a touch compact and nervous in its construction, but it is otherwise impeccable in every way.