2016 Pierres Seches Syrah Ardeche

Hailing from the plateau in Sécheras with decomposed granitic soils, this is Sylvain’s entry level wine, aged entirely in tank to preserve freshness and éclat de fruit; he included roughly 10% of the stems in this cuvée, as in 2016 the sanitary state was impeccable for all things, requiring virtually zero sorting. At 12.5% alcohol, with great phenolic maturity, this promises to be an everyday N Rhone Syrah glu glu no brainer. Like all of his wines, this is fermented using only indigenous yeasts.

“Brilliant violet. Pungent, smoke-tinged aromas of cassis and cherry, lifted by a peppery nuance. Sappy, penetrating and gently sweet, offering lively dark berry and spicecake flavors that spread out nicely on the back half. Smooth, sappy and focused on the appealingly sweet finish, which features rounded, subtle tannins.” 89 Josh Raynolds