Stopped by Vanderbilt Wine Merchants in Brooklyn on my way home, needed some juice as I was hosting a viewing party of The Traitors. Was on my way to checkout with a Grenache blend from the Canary Islands but this label caught my eye. Upon seeing it’s a N. Rhône blend (85% Syrah 15% Viognier) I had to grab it.
Immediate, pronounced nose of black pepper. So much so my husband coughed after a sniff. The palette is lush black fruit: stewed blackberry and figs. You can taste some French oak with baking spices rounding out, and of course, heavy black pepper. More time in the carafe brought out more tender, savory, meat-sweaty character I love in this grape.
Too fruit forward to be confused with the N Rhône, but i think this could compete well with higher priced Barossa Valley Shiraz. Impressive considering the price point of $35. Will buy again.
by scoc89