CRAMA FERDI | Mister S. Legend | 2022
syrah

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Nestled in the heart of Romania’s wine producing region, the famous Dealu Mare, Crama Ferdi is a boutique winery, founded in 2009 by Fernando Mihăilescu in Tohani. The winery embodies passion for winemaking by enhancing quality over quantity, thus mastering the art of traditional viticulture while embracing innovative winemaking techniques. Crama Ferdi represents microvinification at its finest: each wine is a piece of art.

Today we are are going to review an iconic wine – a single varietal syrah wine from the famous Dealu Mare region of Romania – Mister S. Legend 2022 by Crama Ferdi. 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.

Mister S. Legend embodies the winery’s core philosophy: a limited edition wine, crafted with precision and utmost care – a classic example of modern microvinification. Each bottle tells the story of its region, rich in cultural heritage and a winemaking legacy that dates back for many centuries. The wine has been aged between 15 and 20 months in small oak barriques, with additional bottle ageing time before it was deemed ready for the market release. The 2022 vintage highlights the winemaker’s commitment to quality through meticulous vineyard practices and modern vinification techniques, creating a wine that exhibits both elegance and power – the same treats the famous Rhône Valley‘s syrah wines exhibit.

Located in a hilly landscape, the Dealu Mare region’s varied altitudes and endless slopes foster excellent drainage and aeration necessary for vine health. The region benefits from a combination of geographical advantages that define its unique terroir. Its close proximity of the Carpathian Mountains moderates temperature extremes, allowing for a longer growing season. Its terroir is characterized by limestone-rich soils and a favorable microclimate defined by warm sunny days and cool nights. The elevation aids in preserving natural acidity while allowing the grapes to ripen fully. These natural elements combine to create wines that allows for the full expression of each grape variety with vibrant and complex aromas.

color: deep & opaque ruby color
clarity: hazy indigo shades at the rim

In the glass, the wine displays a deep, opaque ruby color with hazy indigo shades at the rim, suggesting richness and vibrancy.

intensity: pronounced & fruity-expressive
fruit character: ripe

On the nose, this wine presents a pronounced, fruity-expressive aromatic profile. The primary fruit notes feature ripe black cherries, blueberries, blackcurrants, and plums, intermingled with secondary earthy aromas reminiscent of pencil lead and granite dust. There’s also a background tapestry of spices including peppercorn, cinnamon, and cloves, combined with hints of oak such as tobacco and toasted oakwood, providing complexity and allure. Subtle undertones of liquorice, leather and some hints of iodine seals the already complex aromatic profile of the wine.

sweetness: dry | acidity: medium+ | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: lasting | aftertaste: rich & expressive

On the palate, the wine reveals a rich, nuanced, and expressive character, showcasing the typical traits of a cool climate syrah wine. It possesses a dry profile, that is complemented by crisp acidity and a notable warmth from alcohol, alongside ripe and seedy tannins that provide structure without overwhelming the palate. The aftertaste is rich and expressive, creating a lingering finish that invites for yet another sip.

maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 3 to 5 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

Overall, this is a remarkable syrah wine that embodies boldness and vibrancy with a round mouthfeel and a firm structure. At this stage, it is already ready to be enjoyed, but it also has a great potential for further development if aged for an additional 3 to 5 years. This is a textbook syrah wine that showcases beautifully the varietal characteristics through its lush fruit and elegant complexity – a wine that is mixing power with finesse.

For an excellent pairing experience, consider serving it alongside a grilled black angus tomahawk steak, as the wine’s bold flavors will complement elegantly the hearthy richness of the meat, while enhancing the overall dining experience. Alternatively, it can also accompany hearty mushroom risotto or a selection of aged cheeses, creating a beautiful harmony between the wine and the food. Enjoy!
CRAMA FERDI | Mister S. Legend | 2022
variety: syrah
country: Romania | Muntenia
region: Dealu Mare | Tohani
rating: 94.3

Crama Ferdi prioritizes sustainable farming methods, employing organic practices to ensure a healthy vineyard ecosystem. Each produced bottle is supervised by the winemaker, Fernando Marius Mihailescu.

© 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. Cheers!