Syrah Loves a View: The Unique Terroir of Bien Nacido Vineyard

High above the valley floor, where the relentless Pacific winds meet the rolling foothills of the Santa Maria Valley, Bien Nacido Vineyard has carved its name into California wine history. This legendary site, whose name means "well born," is one of the most coveted vineyards in the state—celebrated for its cool-climate Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Among its storied blocks, Serial’s 2021 Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah hails from Block 11B, where the combination of elevation, wind, and ancient seabed soils create a wine that is as structured and complex as the vineyard itself.

A Vineyard Shaped by Wind and Time

Bien Nacido is unlike any other site in California. Established in 1973, it stretches across more than 800 acres of vines, planted on an ancient marine terrace that rises above the valley. This terroir is a testament to extremes—battered by the elements, shaped by the rhythms of the Pacific, and defined by patience. The vineyard’s rare east-west orientation funnels cool, salty ocean air directly into the rows, stretching the growing season to one of the longest in the state. Each afternoon, the vines brace against these onshore winds, forcing the fruit to develop thick skins, intense concentration, and stunning natural acidity.

"Syrah from Bien Nacido has an unmistakable energy—it’s lean yet powerful, dark yet lifted," says Serial Winemaker Jeff Kandarian. "Block 11B is particularly special. Rows 77-86 sit nearly at the top of the site, directly in the path of the afternoon winds. The fruit develops this classic varietal characteristic—plum, black pepper, and aromatic violets—all framed by piercing acidity and structure. It’s Syrah that doesn’t just sit in the glass—it moves."

The 2021 Serial Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah

The 2021 growing season in Santa Barbara County was nothing short of ideal. Cool, steady temperatures throughout the year allowed for extended hang time, letting the fruit reach full phenolic maturity while maintaining freshness. Lower yields produced small, intensely flavored berries—resulting in a Syrah of exceptional depth and balance. Sleek yet powerful, this Syrah reflects both the resilience of the vineyard and the patience of its long growing season.

A Label That Tells a Story

The label itself captures the soul of Bien Nacido—a figure wrapped in veil, engulfed in the winds that define this vineyard. Just as the vines bend and twist under the unyielding elements, this image embodies the movement, energy, and endurance required to thrive in such an untamed landscape.

Bien Nacido Vineyard demands patience—from the vines, from the winemaker, and from those who drink its wines. The 2021 Serial Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah is a reflection of that journey—structured, expressive, and deeply connected to its place of origin. A wine born of wind, time, and discovery.

Pouring in Paso: Abundant Rains Set the Stage

Atmospheric rivers poured through Paso Robles wine country this winter, exceeding our seasonal rainfall averages–and that’s a good thing!

Plentiful rains bring another boost to our burgeoning wine region—fast becoming known for complex and expressive wines. Vineyard soils across the region have replenished, setting the stage for each of our diverse terroirs to showcase their individuality. At our estate Deseo in the Estrella District, our vineyard planted to Syrah, Tempranillo, Merlot, and much more is on track for a stellar second vintage, and our growing partners in Adelaida and Willlow Creek are reporting similar good news—the 2023 growing season is off to a great start!

River Deep, Mountain High

As of this writing, the 2023 vintage rainfall in Paso Robles is 18.41 inches—beating the historical annual average of 14 inches. Something that’s happened only twice in the previous 10 years. Our diverse region of elevations, valleys and soil types here in Paso is soaking up this much-needed moisture, ready to put into the 2023 crop. Needless to say, the rain is a very welcome sight for Paso’s winegrowers. “We’re always excited anytime we can really fill the soil profile,” says Sander Scheer, Serial Wines’ Director of Vineyard Operations. “You can drip irrigate the vines to close that gap, but there’s nothing like the saturation you get from natural rainfall.”

The rains have also helped replenish the Paso Robles aquifer and local reservoirs and lakes—all great news following after three years of dry conditions here in the region.  

Rock Solid

Intense storms can sometimes create erosion which could impact vine integrity and yields. Thanks to Sander and his team, careful preparation and cover cropping have kept vineyard structures intact—a smart vineyard management tactic employed by the best farmers. “Our cover crops had already sprouted three to four inches when the heavy rains hit, which made a big difference,” Sander says.

The result, we hope, will be both maximum quality and quantity across Serial’s portfolio of single vineyard, sub-AVA and Paso Robles releases that really showcase the varietal and its terroir. –Think Grenache Blanc with clean tight minerality, lush Cabernet Sauvignons and Syrahs, and complex Red Blends that Serial is becoming known for.

In short, all signs point to a healthy start to the growing season at Deseo Vineyard and across Paso Robles incredible. Excitement is in the air across our wine community here in Paso—An inspiring time to be here and learn why Paso wines are going from strength to strenght with each vintage. Join us at the Serial Tasting Lounge to taste the fruits of earlier seasons, marvel at the green hills around Paso Robles, and get the inside track on an exciting 2023 vintage.