Winemaker Notes
Blend: 87% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 3% Viognier
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
It's labeled as Syrah, but this wine contains 10% Grenache and 3% Viognier as well, which both serve to plump up the midpalate and lighten the aromatics. Thyme, bayleaf and cherry notes highlight the nose, while the palate is weighty and softly tannic, with a long, silky finish. Drink now–2022.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Gently rolling hills covered by large, round stones on south-facing slopes, Costieres de Nimes is a substantial IGP zone that was formerly considered part of the Languedoc. Today it is included as a section of the southern Rhone; its climate, topography and wines put it more in line with that appellation. Grenache is its most important red variety, along with Mourvedre, Syrah and Carignan. Half of the production here is rosé.