Paso Robles, CA. (September 13, 2024) — Ledge is proud to announce that its 2021 Ledge Syrah Block 11 Bien Nacido Vineyard has received a perfect 100-point score from renowned wine critic Jeb Dunnuck.
“The 2021 Syrah Block 11 Bien Nacido Vineyard brings another level of purity and precision, as well as concentration, compared to the 2022. All Syrah aged 20 months in 60% new barrels, its deep ruby/purple hue is followed by a truly sensational Syrah that has a layered, nuanced bouquet of blackberries, smoked game, peppery herbs, iron, and bouquet garni-like herbal notes. It’s full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, with a pure, layered, seamless mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and that rare mix of purity, elegance, and richness. I would gladly put this side by side with the greatest Côte Rôtie out there, and it’s a magical, seamless Syrah that could come from nowhere else.” – Jeb Dunnuck
The 2021 Ledge Syrah Block 11 Bien Nacido Vineyard ($85) is the wine’s fourth vintage, one of just two wines Ledge crafts with grapes from the iconic vineyard which include their newly released 2023 Bien Nacido Chardonnay. While Ledge has consistently garnered both critical and consumer acclaim for their wines, co-owner / vintner Mark Adams sensed 2021 was going to be something special.
“’21 was a great vintage on the central coast in general, with well-paced ripening weather – not too hot and not too cool with cooperative diurnal swings allowing for ample rest in the evenings between lovely warm days,” Adams explained. “I received excellent progress reporting from Bien Nacido vineyard manager Chris Hammell, and my personal goal is always to get the fruit to 26 brix or above while maintaining a verdant canopy and vibrant acidity. The fruit is special, but the trick is to pay attention once it’s brought in. You wouldn’t abandon the kitchen when the burners are on, and I keep a close eye (and nose) on all our ferments.”
Amassing a plethora of scores in the high 90s from renown critics alongside a rapidly-growing consumer fan base, Adams and Ledge are quickly transitioning from best-kept-secret to iconic cult wine brand, which comes as no surprise when you learn his story.
Mark Adams was raised on the Templeton ranch he and his wife Ciera now farm. In 2004, Mark became an intern and eventually the first employee for his childhood friend Justin Smith at Saxum, which neighbors Adams Ranch, home of the Ledge estate vineyard. It was during his time at Saxum, amidst their James Berry Vineyard, that Adams learned to farm world-class wine grapes and craft consistently highly-rated wines, which he still makes in Saxum’s facility. In 2005 Adams and his wife Ciera personally planted their first vineyard block at Adams Ranch with Estrella clone Syrah cuttings from JBV. The estate vineyard grows steadily year after year and is planted to Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Roussanne, Cinsaut, Counoise, Grenache Blanc and Clairette Blanche. Alongside their estate, Ledge Vineyards sources fruit from the Adams Ranch Vineyard, James Berry Vineyard, and Bien Nacido. To get your hands on the wines, Adams suggests signing up for their as-of-now still-open wine club.
“It’s six bottles, twice a year, with new offerings in fall and spring,” Adams reported. “We let members customize their allocations, request more than half a case per release, and create wish lists for more of our library wines and highly rated selections. We keep pricing fair, and treat our members like family, because they are. My personal cell phone number is on every bottle. We aim to please.”
Info at LedgeVineyards.com.
