Simply stunning, evocative deep purple, with black fruited aromas, a hint of tar and the classic lift of white pepper. The wine is rich, full-bodied and with earthy blackberry fruit, tobacco and spice notes, balanced by evident yet rounded tannins and refreshing acidity to the finish. Traditional winemaking techniques, with open top fermenters, 33% whole cluster and manual punch downs twice a day. A small portion (about 10-12%) of saignee barrel fermentation is used, which gives the wine a nice toasty, mocha edge. After pressing, the wine was aged for 22 months in François Frères Burgundy barrels. For the first year in about 60% new barrels, then racked, blended and returned to neutral barrels for the additional time. Their favourite 15 barrels are then selected and bottled. The wine is 100% Syrah from the Z Block at Bien Nacido Vineyard. Z Block was Qupé’s first “custom” planting at Bien Nacido in 1992 on a perfect southwest facing hillside.
Stock due May / June 2022
