Zaca Mesa Black Bear Block Syrah 2005
Zaca Mesa
The Black Bear Block is a single 3 ½ acre block planted in 1978 on its own roots from cuttings brought over from Chapoutier in Hermitage region of the Northern Rhône. Named for the many black bears that live around our vineyard, Black Bear Block was the first Syrah planted in Santa Barbara County and is now the oldest remaining Syrah vineyard on the Central Coast.
This wine displays rich blackberry, cassis, mocha, cedar and our signature sage spice aromas and flavors. The finish lingers from the ripe tannins and smoky oak. This full-bodied wine should be enjoyed over the next ten years.
Wine Enthusiast
So delicious, complex and dramatic, it might almost be from the Northern Rhône, except for a certain softness that identifies it as warm California. Hard to describe the waves of blackberries, black and red currants, grilled meat, mocha, licorice, graphite, Tabasco and pepperspice flavors, and how they change every second. This is the best Black Bear Syrah that Zaca Mesa has ever produced. Now through 2012.
Score: 94.
—Steve Heimoff,
February
01,
2009.
Wine Spectator
Intense and tightly focused on spicy, beefy, peppery Syrah flavors, presented in a full-bodied style, with richness, depth, concentration and complexity, ending with excellent structure. Drink now through 2015.
Score: 92.
—James Laube,
2008.
Wine Advocate
The 2005 Syrah Black Bear Block (from a tiny 3.5-acre parcel planted in 1978 from grape cuttings made in Hermitage in northern France) has a dense black/purple color and a gorgeous nose of blackberry, graphite, and smoke as well as hints of white chocolate and earth. The wine is rich, full-bodied, dense, with silky tannins but superb concentration and richness. This wine should drink well for up to a decade or more.
Score: 92.
—Robert Parker,
August
2009.
All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted. Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time. All pricing and availability subject to change without notice.
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