Coming all from the Bien Nacido Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley, the 2017 Cuvée Jean checks in as 96% Syrah and 4% Viognier that was 70% destemmed and brought up all in barrel. This meaty, ripe, powerful Syrah offers impressive notes of black olives, ground pepper, earth/forest floor, and ample dark, meaty fruits. Full-bodied and elegant, with ripe tannins and terrific balance, it’s going to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and cruise for a decade. 94+

The 2017 Cuvée Jean is 96% Syrah co-fermented with 4% Viognier. It was made with 15% whole cluster and aged in 25% new oak. Medium to deep ruby-purple colored, the nose is delicate with pretty notes of white pepper, Castelvetrano olive, blackcurrants, blackberry pie, lilac, pencil shavings and crushed stone plus accents of bitter chocolate, Earl Grey tea and fresh mint leaves. The palate is medium to full-bodied and delicately intense with finely grained tannins and just enough freshness to carry the mineral-driven finish. (EB)