The Black Bear Block is a 3 ½ acre block planted on its own roots in 1978. Named for the black bears that live around our vineyard, the Black Bear Block was the first Syrah vineyard planted in Santa Barbara County and is now the oldest remaining Syrah vineyard on the Central Coast.
The 2019 Black Bear Block Syrah never ceases to captivate. The color in the glass is quite beautiful – a deep garnet with a touch of translucence. On the nose are notes of fig and dark fruits alongside umami notes of caramelized soy sauce and dried sagebrush. The palate comes alive with flavors of dried wild blueberries and black olive, rich and sensuous. A dash of spritely peppercorn comes in late on the finish. The very fine tannins are centered on the mid-palate while the wine is young but will become broad and more luxurious over time as this wine is built to age magnificently. Serve the “Black Bear” with dishes such as wood fire grilled pork chops, Jaeger schnitzel, smoked cheeses and braised leeks.
