Gigondas Les Roches

Julien surprises us with a pure Syrah from the Plateau vineyard, which lies high above Gigondas facing north. The ancient vines have borne very, very little fruit, small berries with little but highly concentrated juice, full to bursting, just enough for 12 hectoliters per hectare. It goes without saying that these grapes were packed with the best aromas that Syrah has to offer in the south. Black berries and spicy components meld into licorice notes, which are joined by aromas of a bloody grilled steak and a shower of freshly ground black telly cherry pepper. It's great how the minerality already manifests itself in the bouquet over the aromas of the bloody steak. The palate is also a real showstopper. A lavish amount of extract packs the powerful structure of this incredibly clear wine. Patience will be needed with this great wine!