I think the saying “Be where your feet are” is emblematic of Maggie Harrison wines. Harrison, who cut her wine teeth so to speak for eight years in the cellars at SQN, has said in interviews that she focuses on what’s in front of her face, right here, right now. This offering seems like a master course in what happens when a seasoned wine maker stays disciplined and present and I feel lucky to have scooped up this bottle.
2018 was a cool-ish year for Bien Nacido which “resulted in an extended growing season with no pressures to pick and a very long harvest.” From what I’ve internet-sleuthed, it was a small harvest of absolutely immaculate fruit.
My first impression on the nose is Starburst cherry and blackberry, a hint of smokiness, and an indelible sense of purpose (which might also be the most unironically douchey thing I’ve ever said in regard to a wine, but I’m three glasses in and it feels right)
The palate is just fun: deep blackberry, intensity that hasn’t dissipated even after 4 hours of being open, and other thick chewy dark fruits that I don’t have great language to articulate. Subtle oak and minerality bring the balance and make it a kind of “California cool”. There’s a vibrancy that is both apparent and unassuming. How could this wine be anything other than a kick ass foray into what Santa Barbara can be aspirationally?
The finish glides on and on and goddamnit I’m gonna be sad when this is gone.
I’ve been squarely camped out in Piedmont and Cru Beau for the last year, but from time to time, it’s nice to be reminded that we have amazing wines here too, even when the world is coming apart at the seams.
2018 Lillian Syrah Gold Series No. 7, 14.3%, 94/100, $118
Would smash again in a heartbeat
by mementomori1723