GRAMENON 2023 COTES DU RHONE SIERRA DU SUD

Though the domaines wines are all classified as Cote du Rhone besides the Vinsorbes, this longstanding organic Domaine is one of the Rhone Valley's gems. Their old-vine holdings spread throughout small overlooked parcels with vines ranging upwards of 100 years old shows a mastery of the terroir and absolute confidence in their wines. These are honestly some of the top wines in the Rhone with unrivaled purity of fruit and expression of terroir. We recently tried the Sierra du Sud, a rare example of Syrah from the Southern Rhone and one of the few we have seen along with Chateau Rayas Fonsalette Cuvée Syrah. Though the vines here are on the younger side, between 20-40 years old, there is a seriousness here with brooding and dense yet high-toned aroma of plum, cassis, spice box, and underlying minerality. The balance is incredible for a Southern Rhone Syrah and rivals some of the top Northern Rhone wines with some upfront appeal and structure for aging that isn't expected from a wine at this level. This Cuvee was not produced in 2018 due to hail destroying 50% of the crop, but is back in the excellent 2019 vintage, getting 4 out of 5 stars from famed Rhone writer John Livingstone-Learmonth. If Rhone is one of your go-to's, we highly recommend checking this out!

DECANTER 92 POINTS - "Inky-dark 100% Syrah from this renowned low-intervention producer in the Drôme. With a lovely airy purity and fresh, herby nose, it is surprisingly open given its youth, but with good underlying tannic structure. Dark fruit and a creamy, savoury Syrah palate, impressive grip and persistence. Organic; small quantities of sulphites added."