La Syrah

Domaine Auguste Clape

Cornas Syrah 1997

As Noël Verset started to divest in his vines, there were several producers who came away with some real treasures. The most famous was Franck Balthazar who was able to purchase Verset’s prized holdings in Chaillots. Perhaps less known is Auguste Clape also purchased some ex-Verset vines in the Sabarotte lieu-dit. The 1997 Clape pours a much deeper color, nearly opaque purple. Dense brambles with some black licorice, lavender pastilles and minerals. Somewhat reticent even at 25+ years old. The venison, umami bomb, potato and pearl onion helped coax this Clape from slumber though. Drinking well now but easily has the stuffing to see 2037 and possibly beyond. — 11 days ago

Lyle, Severn and 7 others liked this

Alain Graillot

Crozes-Hermitage Syrah 2015

Big fan of this producer where his Crozes never disappoints. This had dark cherry, berry fruit, mineral, licorice spice & violet — 9 hours ago

Lyle, Shay and 3 others liked this

E. Guigal

La Turque Côte-Rôtie Syrah 1990

1990 vintage. Decanted and tasted after one hour. Light-medium body. Great color still. Smoke and earth in the nose. Cedar, spiciness and rusticity on a long finish. Still relevant and kicking. Can hold tight for another 6-7 years. Must be a revelation out of a larger format bottle currently...3.15.24. — 13 days ago

Shay, Jan and 10 others liked this

E. Guigal

Château d'Ampuis Côte-Rôtie Syrah 2003

A touch of butterscotch on the nose then a deep blue gnarly fruit with a bit of tang and black pepper. Savory and delicious on the palate z quite cool blooded which is ironic given the vintage. Sour cherry notes on the end. — 22 days ago

Paul WoollsAra Aslanian
with Paul and Ara
Bob, Jay and 5 others liked this

E. Guigal

La Mouline Côte-Rôtie Syrah 1994

Believe it or not, this is my first La-La and what a way to do it with a 1994 no less! Flintstone vitamins, gym socks, pomegranate, purple flowers, minerals like crazy…and what seemed like an impenetrable wall of granite. Tons of baking spices. Modern? Yeah of course but my goodness the quality is indisputable and this worked really well with Iberico pork cheek, mushroom ragu with lavender and thyme. The reality is, even at 30 years old, this is youthful. Drink now through, I dunno, 2044? — 11 days ago

Severn, Lyle and 7 others liked this

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave

Hermitage Syrah 1989

Not to be outdone, the 1989 Chave Hermitage Rouge showed more brambles than the ’88 along with other desiccated blue and black fruits. Dried flowers, beef, blood, leather and mushrooms. Every time I have the pleasure of drinking old Chave, I’m reminded that these wines have so much character and there is a reason they are so adored. Lovely with grilled lamb and Moroccan spices. Drink now through 2040. — 11 days ago

Severn, Lyle and 8 others liked this

Pierre Gonon

Saint-Joseph Syrah 2021

Delectable Wine
9.2

The 2021 Saint-Joseph used roughly 50% whole-clusters during fermentation. In comparison, 2022 saw 85% inclusion, while in 2017, no destemming was applied. Coming in at 12.5% alcohol, the deep purple-hued 2021 unfurls with pretty red fruits paired with leafy undertones and cedar. Orange blossom and rose petal add welcome floral lift. Light to medium in body, this is a delicate Gonon, neatly framed by velvety tannins and bright acidity. It should drink well right out of the gate. Tasted twice with consistent notes. (Nicolas Greinache, Vinous, March 2024)
— 16 hours ago

Paul Jaboulet Aîné

La Chapelle Hermitage Syrah 1988

The fruit for "La Chapelle" is sourced predominantly from Le Méal and Bessards (with a little form Greffieux and Rocoules. Relative to the two Chave’s, the 1988 “La Chapelle” seems a bit more like a Hermitage fastball right down the middle of the plate. Desiccated mixed berries, olives, purple flowers, and minerals with a touch of ethyl acetate. Again a great pairing with grilled lamb and Moroccan spices. Vinous and drinking well now through 2035. — 11 days ago

Severn, Lyle and 7 others liked this

Thierry Allemand

Cornas Reynard (R) Syrah 1999

Another producer to inherit some vineyards from Verset was Thiérry Allemand who purchased Noëls holdings in Reynard. That vineyard is the cornerstone for this wine. The 1999 Allemand “Reynard” is still full of fresh brambles, some cow pasture, and beautiful purple flowers. It’s sanguine with inorganic earth and gentle spices. Bangin’ with venison, umami bomb, potato and pearl onion. This is gorgeous and should be outstanding through 2040+. — 11 days ago

Severn, Ira and 7 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

Dude you had a Rhône evening I can only dream about. Lucky man! Cheers!
Jay Kline

Jay Kline Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Tom Casagrande no doubt. It was truly special. I created a Tasting Story on CT; not sure if you’re on there.

Thierry Allemand

Chaillot Cornas Syrah 2017

Youthful that will need a few more years. Mostly showing blue & black fruits, inky with graphite, mineral, meat, olive, licorice & violet — 12 days ago

Tom, Ira and 13 others liked this