Côte-Rôtie Syrah

I expected to be intrigued by this wine, but not necessarily enjoy drinking it. I was so wrong. The initial impression brought plenty of smoke, meat, wet wool, gun powder and lots of potpourri. But just a short time later you were presented with a wine of both intrigue and enveloping deliciousness. Black fruits carry the day - currant paste, plum and blackberry - with mulled winter spices also playing their part (cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom). The tannins are a silky bath of soft, black earth, with acidity that carries the wine while hiding in the background. Complexity and approachability make this old world stunner a great find for someone stuck in their new world rut.