Tag Archives: Syrah

Wine of the Day: Vincent Paris Cornas ‘La Geynale’ 2014 6-19-16

parisgeynalecornas14Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas La Geynale, Rhone 2014 750ML ($69.95) Buy Now: $59 special

Native to Cornas, Vincent Paris has been making wine since 1997. If it counts for anything, he’s got good neighbors looking after him – Auguste Clape and Thierry Allemand are both next door. Once Vincent’s uncle Robert-Michel – an esteemed grower – retired from winemaking, a bidding war ensued for his land which included the likes of Chave. Robert-Michel preferred to keep things in the family, selling to Vincent for below market value. Through hard work in the field and cellar alike, the ensuing years have proven Robert-Michel’s gesture to be as worthwhile as it was wise.

“La Geynale” is fermented with 100% whole cluster and aged 18 months in old oak.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Owen Roe Chapel Block Syrah 2013 5-24-16

owenroesrahOwen Roe Red Willow Vineyard Chapel Block Syrah, Yakima Valley 2013 750ML ($59.95) Buy Now: $49 special

This new vintage of the Chapel Block Syrah from the Red Willow vineyard shows poise and balance.  There are overtones of dark chocolate and dark roast coffee layered with sweet spices and a hint of new leather on the finish.  Unabashedly New World, the palate offers ripe berry and floral notes with a lingering chocolate taste.  It has an excellent grippy texture to keep the rich body in check.  I would cellar for at least 2-3 years before opening, though ideally this baby could go for 7-10.  -Suzy

Winery note: “Aged in 44% new oak (100% French) for nearly 14 months.  The blend is comprised of 100% Red Willow Syrah from both East and West facing slopes, from the Yakima Valley AVA.”… Read the rest

Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus, Priorat DOCa 2012 – April 2016

Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus, Priorat DOCa 2012 750ML ($219.95) Buy Now: $169 special

Clos Erasmus Priorat 2012Wine Advocate 98 points “After no 2011 was produced, the 2012 Clos Erasmus comes with renewed energy, a much fresher approach and a more transparent wine while keeping the slate typicity of Gratallops even in a tiny-yielding vintage. Part of the wine aged in 700-liter clay amphorae and the rest in Burgundy barrels that added a spicy patina to the nose, yet very much respected the wet slate character of the vintage. Contrary to previous vintages, the core of fruit is red rather than black; the 2013 that I tasted (not in bottle) followed pretty much this same direction. The palate shows power, elegance and a special mineral savoriness akin to licking stones.… Read the rest

JL Chave Hermitage Rouge 2012 – April 2016

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Rouge, Rhone 2012 750ML ($219.95) Buy Now: $219 special

JL Chave Hermitage Rouge 2012Wine Advocate 94-97 points “Looking at the 2012 Hermitage, which is still resting in barrels and getting ready to be bottled, it’s a much more classic, easy to read Hermitage that has lots of ripe, sweet fruit in its full-bodied, concentrated, textured profile. It has copious sweet blackberry and cassis fruit, violet and serious granite-like minerality, superb mid-palate depth and a focused, structured finish. It’s a beautiful, classy 2012 that will have 20-25+ years of longevity.” WA

Josh Raynolds–Vinous 95-97 points “Presented as components from four different barrels: #1, from Beaume: Exotic scents of candied licorice, dark berries and smoky Indian spices. Fleshy and broad on entry, then tighter in the middle, displaying superb depth to its bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors.… Read the rest