Gaillard Syrah Terres de Mandrin 2012

Sustainable | Jeanne Gaillard 2012 Syrah, Terres de Mandrin, Collines Rhodaniennes | 12% | Syrah is often described in burly hulking terms of brooding density and with such meaty notes as to cause all carnivores to water at the mouth. Instead this Syrah is gorgeous with a floral rose scented welcome onto crunchy red berry fruit –especially raspberries and a faint cracked pepper that reminds us this is Syrah but of the feline sort –all grace and nimble on its feet. Even at only a year this young beauty has a remarkable grace and a firm body –structured for stamina and yet nonchalant in its immediate appeal. From the Rhodanian hills that make up the hinterlands of the Northern Rhône Valley, these vines are planted in the plain of the Drôme around the Crozes-Hermitage and the granitic highlands overlooking Saint-Joseph. Such a fresh red would really calm Winter fare like meaty roasts but would just as easily tuck into a juicy burger –but with all that said it is the braised meats that really come to mind and evoke an appetite but because the finish isn’t so bold as baking bacon –and because this is instead lighter and easier to drink and drink and drink, this is a Syrah to sip as one might hope to all afternoon without tiring or feeling beat up by the end. This is a pleasure.
Wine review by Nicholas Livingston, November 2013

Food Pairings

Winged beasties with dark meat like duck, goose, squab, and griffins. Hooved game. Roasted meats.