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. — a day ago

Lyle, Severn and 6 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. — 3 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. — 12 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? — a day ago

Severn, Lyle and 6 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. — a day ago

Severn, Lyle and 7 others liked this

Château de Saint-Cosme

Côtes du Rhône Syrah 2021

Another outstanding vintage of this CdR classic. 100% Syrah. Deep ruby color. Bright aromas of blackberry, blueberry, kirsch and bacon fat. Fruit forward palate notes ripe plum and black currant with distinctive notes of vanilla, black pepper and grilled herbs. Touch of graphite and saline on the medium-plus luxurious finish. Creamy texture and smooth tannins. Outstanding quality and consistency for the price. — 14 days ago

Bob, Scott@Mister and 3 others liked this

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. — a day ago

Severn, Lyle and 6 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+. — a day ago

Severn, Ira and 6 others liked this

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 — 2 days ago

Tom, Ira and 13 others liked this

E. Guigal

Brune et Blonde de Guigal Côte-Rotie Syrah 2001

A quiet and restrained noise. Damson and black pepper. Some pretty floral notes of rose and violet. A little under. — 12 days ago

Paul WoollsAra Aslanian
with Paul and Ara
Bob, Jay and 6 others liked this