GRAEME & JULIE BOTT | Crozes-Hermitage | 2021
syrah
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Today we are are going to review a very intriguing wine, as it is a single varietal syrah wine from the famous Crozes-Hermitage appellation of Northern Rhône wine region in France – Crozes-Hermitage 2021 by Graeme & Julie Bott. In a world where bolder is better, syrah is the perfect choice, as it is darker and spicier than cabernet sauvignon and contains a high amounts of health-invigorating antioxidants. Syrah, also known as Shiraz, can be vinified in two major styles: old-world style and new-world style. The old-world syrah wines tend to have more acidity and displays earthy-herbaceous aromas on the nose, while the new-world shiraz wines are usually dusty and fruit-forward, with lots of spice and nuanced hints of smoke. This particular wine is vinified in an old-world style, made of 100% syrah grapes sourced from the vines planted on alluvia soils in the Crozes-Hermitage AOC, with an abundance of round gravels, with silt and sand subsoil. In order to preserve the varietal characteristics of the syrah grapes, but at the same time to add a layer of extra complexity on the aromatic and flavour profiles, the wine has been aged only for 10 months in used french oak barrels. That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:
//Visual
color: medium-pale ruby color
clarity: hazy indigo shades on the rim
//Olfactory
intensity: rich & earthy
fruit character: ripe
The wine’s nose starts with a burst of earthy notes, offering scents of forest floor, soil dust, clay and marl. Woven throughout all this earthiness hints of ripe red fruits emerge that peek through subtly, with notes of red plum, redcurrant and cranberry. These fruit notes are not overly bold, but rather shy and vibrant, adding a touch of freshness to the wine’s pronounced earthy character. In the background, a wave of savory hints emerge, with notes of old leather, capsicum and brown olive. This intriguing bouquet suggests a sophisticated old world wine with a touch of rustic complexity.
//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: medium- | balance: good
finish: medium | aftertaste: crisp & savory
The palate mirrors the nose, with the emphasis on savory and earthy notes. Earthy flavors are prominent, but subtle hints of red fruits emerge on the mid-palate, adding a touch of unexpected juiciness. The exuberant acidity cuts through the richness of the wine’s savory character, keeping the wine lively and refreshing. The fine-grained tannins are very appealing and don’t overwhelm the palate, creating a supple and delicate mouthfeel. A touch of alcoholic warmth becomes noticeable on the mouthfeel, but fusions quickly into a crisp and savory aftertaste.
//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 3 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential
Overall, this is a lean and quite elegant syrah wine, where the focus is on savory complexity rather than bold fruit flavors. While the lean body and the emphasis on savory character suggest a terroir-driven wine, it lacks some complexity and expressiveness one might expect from a genuine Northern Rhône syrah. That being said, this wine could be a good option for those who enjoy a lighter-bodied, old world syrah with the focus on savory earthiness, but those wine enthusiasts seeking for a more robust and complex expression of this grape variety might be left wanting for more.
//Scoring
GRAEME & JULIE BOTT | Crozes-Hermitage | 2021
variety: syrah
country: France
region: Northern Rhône | Crozes-Hermitage
rating: 92.7
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This is definitely a fine wine of France and, with a total of 92.7 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.
Pairing: Given this wine’s focus on earthy character with vibrant hints of red fruits and its lean and savory profile, it would be best suited for dishes that won’t overpower the wine’s delicate nature and that can complement its earthiness. Seared duck breast with peppercorn sauce would be a fantastic pairing option. The richness of the duck would be counter-balanced by the wine’s exuberant acidity, while the peppery notes in the sauce would echo the savory character of the wine. In the same key, the earthy notes in the wine would complement lovely the earthy flavors of the dish. This pairing would allow the wine’s vibrancy to shine through, while enhancing the richness and delicacy of the duck. Enjoy!
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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.
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By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
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WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a monthly donation so that we can review even more wines.
WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a yearly donation so that we can review even more wines.
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