Synopsis, Our Opinion: Aberrant Syrah, that’s just so, so smooth.
Producer/Winery: Philippe and Veronique Grenier; Domaine des Amphores; Chavanay, France.
Grape Variety: Syrah.
Geographic Appellation: Saint-Joseph; Rhone valley, France.
Vintage: 2014
Price: $23.40 (with a 10% mixed case discount)
Purchased From: The Caviste Wine Shop; Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Paired With: Espresso rubbed Texas Brisket, Yukon gold potatoes and steamed broccoli.
Tasting:
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Opened one hour before drinking. Clear, dark purple/ruby color with a slightly lighter rim. Powerful and unusual funky aroma that’s like a fresh cut hay field after an overnight shower and trails off with cherry, raspberry and orange marigold aromas. Very unique silkiness with a body on the light side of medium. Thin, very dry, sour cherry flavor that dominates, accompanied by a complex mineral, red fruit and licorice taste. A long smooth acidic finish that’s almost absent of tannins (maybe they got lost under the hay) and ends bitter. INCREDIBLY UNIQUE Syrah…and with the VERY, VERY SMOOTH cherry and raspberry taste it maybe the most distinctive Syrah we have ever experienced. Delicious with the brisket and savory sipping alone after the dinner. Aberrant Syrah, that’s just so, so smooth.
Photo from Domaine des Amphores.
See also the wonderful Gîte they rent…a small stone cottage that’s surrounded by vineyards in the village of Pilat Rhodanien.
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Closure: Natural cork.
UPC Code: NA
Imported by: Barrique Imports; Seattle, Washington.