Varietals: 86% Syrah, 14% Viognier
94 Points Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of pepper- and rosemary-crusted lamb roast doused in black-plum sauce invite the nose deeply into this bottling. Herbs are prominent on the palate, from thyme and rosemary to peppercorn and bay leaf. Black raspberry and black plum meet with smoke on the finish.
92 Points James Suckling
Real syrah here with berry, smoke, earth and grilled meat character. Medium-bodied with polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Sleek and toned. Some crushed stone, too.
Winemaker Notes
A co-ferment of Syrah with a discreet percentage of Viognier, reminiscent of the wines of St. Joseph in the Northern Rhône. There is the most remarkable "taste alike" correspondence between this wine and the Platonic goût de Provence - a singular ubiquitous balsamique (resinous) quality imparted some say by the local underbrush, the garrigue - lavender, rosemary and sage, notably - but perhaps also by proximal pine forest. In any event, the wine is marked by its lively acidity, vivid pepperiness, with strong suggestion of black olive, violets, licorice and white flowers. On the palate, slightly angular immediately upon opening but softening considerably with time.