It is a real-deal northern Rhône roasted-slope Syrah that walks the tightrope perfectly between creamy fruit, meaty tannins, and fresh spine.

Frédéric soon had a local following in and around his village for his old-school, dark, juicy Crozes with its hints of tapenade and smoke.

Elegant blue and black fruit abound, but here it mingles with a hint of sanguinity and some dusty tannin.

There is not a single sharp edge, only tender, succulent, ripe peachy fruit, plus a touch of honeysuckle to round things out.

Yearning for northern Rhône magic? Here you go. Pull a cork or more and see what I mean.

The nearly 120 years that Bastien Jolivet’s small plot of Syrah vines have spent drawing sustenance deep from the granite soils of Saint-Joseph have left a steely stamp on Jolivet’s Cuvée 1907.

Majestically dark and brooding Cornas, layered with aromas of herbs and mint. Extremely limited availability

Young vines in Mauves, short maceration, stainless-steel aged... but definitely no simple Syrah!

Cool in the mouth, with a whiff of smoke and game, this soulful little country Syrah will do a jig with your pâtés and terrines.

The pinnacle of traditional Côte-Rôtie being produced today.