By Optik
Bien Nacido Vineyard 2022 Syrah Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County

Vineyard and Terroir
From the renowned Bien Nacido vineyard, this Syrah is tucked back in the canyon's hillsides on Block II. Alban and Estrella clones, shrouded in coastal breezes on a highly steep, west-facing, 600-foot hillside with sandy loam soils.

Wine Details
Winemaker: Joey Tensely
Composition: 100% Syrah
Yield: 3 tons per acre
Aging: Aged 11 months in 25% new French oak barrels
Alcohol: 14.40%
pH: 3.82
TA: 5.6 g/l

Tasting Notes
Aromatics: At the forefront, there's an unmistakable presence of black pepper, offering a bold and spicy introduction. Delicate hints of white pepper weave through, adding a subtle layer of complexity and a touch of zest. Aromas unfold with a richness of ripe plum, bringing a luscious, fruity dimension to the bouquet. Notes of blue fruit add an intriguing layer of depth, balancing the overall experience with a touch of elegance.
Palate: The wine opens with flavors of red plum and dark plum, followed by hints of pepper. A lingering smokiness leaves a memorable and evocative impression on the palate.
[Information provided by Matador Vino]

Wine: OPTIK Syrah, Santa Maria Valley ‘Bien Nacido’ 2022
Score/Rating: 95
Suggested Drinking Window: 2024 - 2034
Review Date: 08/2024
Reviewed By: Jeremy Young
Tasting Notes: Pouring a medium-dark purple core with a neon pink rim, the 2022 Bien Nacido Syrah from Optik is a stunning bottle of wine with delicious notes of black cherries, blue blum [sic] skin, olive brine, dusty country road, and crushed pink peppercorns. Impeccably balanced with fine-grained tannins, smooth acidity, and a rich, peppery finish, this one should cellar well for the next 8-10 years with proper cellaring.

Wine: 2022 Optik Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard
Score/Rating: 94
Suggested Drinking Window: 2024 - 2032
Review Date: 08/15/2024
Reviewed By: Jeb Dunnuck
Tasting Notes: The 2022 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard is all varietal and comes from a fabulous vineyard located just outside of Santa Maria. Its deep ruby color is followed by medium to full-bodied aromas and flavors of peppery black fruits, smoked herbs, ground black pepper, and hints of game. It's beautifully balanced and has a supple, elegant mouthfeel, good complexity, and a great finish. There’s tons to love here, and it should shine over the coming 7-8 years.

Wine: Optik, Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, California, USA 2022
Score/Rating: 93
Suggested Drinking Window: 2024 - 2032
Review Date: 12/04/2024
Reviewed By: Clive Pursehouse
Tasting Notes: From the 200m canyon site facing the Pacific, this Syrah comes from Block 11 in the legendary Bien Nacido site of Alban and Estrella clones. Floral aromas of dried violets and lavender show well alongside dried desert scrub and Montmorency cherries. The palate is sleek, with intense salty blood orange and raspberry leaf notes. There's a lingering spice evocative of chicory root and a salty olive and brine finish.

Wine: Optik Syrah Santa Maria Valley Bien Nacido Vineyard 2022
Score/Rating: 93
Review Date: 08/31/2024
Reviewed By: James Suckling
Tasting Notes: The nose is deeply scented and powerful, with lifted aromas of Damson plums, dark cherries and licorice. The palate is full-bodied with finely integrated tannins and focused acidity, giving notes of blackcurrants, olive brine, charcuterie and dried herbs. Very savory and complex, with a fresh backbone. Drink or hold.

Wine: Optik 2022 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard
Score/Rating: 93
Suggested Drinking Window: 2024 - 2030
Review Date: 07/2024
Reviewed By: Antonio Galloni
Tasting Notes: The 2022 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard is terrific. Ample, juicy and explosive, the 2022 packs a serious punch. [...] Inky dark fruit, licorice, lavender and mocha are all dialed up. There's so much to like here.

Wine: Optik Syrah Santa Maria Valley Bien Nacido Vineyard 2022
Score/Rating: 92
Suggested Drinking Window: Drink now through 2035
Review Date: 09/30/2025
Reviewed By: Aaron Romano
Tasting Notes: An elegant rendition, with fresh lilac, white pepper and sassafras notes up front that fold over onto the vibrant core of strawberry and raspberry. Minerally acidity drives the flavors, which pick up a hint of dried hibiscus on the finish around fresh tannins. Drink now through 2035.

Wine: Optik 2022 Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah (Santa Maria Valley)
Score/Rating: 91
Review Date: 12/31/2024
Reviewed By: Matt Kettmann
Tasting Notes: There's a slight effervescence to the glass in this bottling, which begins with intense cassis aromas alongside asphalt and cracked pepper. The palate is fruit-forward with blueberry flavors most prominent.