The 2008 vintage in the northern Rhône left many vintners struggling to fully ripen their Syrah, making relatively affordable bottlings like this a bit of a crap shoot. However, Michel Chapoutier seems to have worked his magic yet again in the case of this wine, which is pure, pretty and pleasing at every turn. A Syrah built for freshness and elegance, it shows red berry notes leading into a soft finish. Pair with duck, pork or veal.
Ferraton Père & Fils, Crozes-Hermitage (Rhône, France) 2008
By Michael Franz