Domaine des Amphores Les Iris Syrah 2015

Domaine des Amphores Les Iris Syrah 2015, France, $21.50

Ninety-nine point nine percent of wine drinkers don’t care whether their wine says Bordeaux, Rioja or Chateauneuf du Pape, as long as they like the taste. This, my friend, is a good thing. This elegant little Syrah from the Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes may lack the cache of a big name but more then compensates with big flavour in the glass.

Located in the tiny commune of Chavanay, overlooking the Rhone River. Philippe and Véronique Grenier created the Domaine in 1992 and the vineyard has been certified organic since 2002. The bottle I recently tried was a little reductive at first but this blew off after a few moments in the glass, revealing lovely blackberry, blueberry and violet aromas. The palate is light and refreshing, with pretty fruit flavours, more Audrey Hepburn than Bette Midler. Soft and round with silky tannins and great finesse, made in a bright ready to drink style.

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