Domaine Gilles Troullier, Boreal, Cotes Catalanes

Deeply satisfying Syrah. Gave about 2.5h air before drinking. Notes of blackcurrant, raspberry, forest floor, oak, coffee and tobacco. Satin texture, medium-full bodied, with juicy raspberry and hints of blueberry and earth on the palate. Firm sinewy tannins provide structure.

Medium ruby colour. Medium intensity aroma of raspberry, blackberry, eucalyptus. Dry, high acidity, low tannin, medium alcohol. Light body. Medium intensity flavour of cherry, blueberry, very slight herbaceous. Medium finish.

So I looked at the auction value of this wine ($14) and was very depressed that I paid much more for it. But I pulled it out midweek and figured I kill it and swallow my pride. When the cork was popped, the nose was quite intriguing. Reminded me of a third growth bordeaux (no idea what a third growth is). Got my hopes up. Then I tasted it and it was almost undrinkable. Astringent, no fruit. Improved dramatically over …

Wowza...I dont know what happened..this wine tonight was muted nose...flavor was thin...so disappointing...don’t know what could cause such a different drinking experience from previous bottle... I am not a believer in a “dumb phase” but if this is representative of that....I get it...

Decanted a while and maybe drank too early. It's been a few days but was not impressed. Not bad, kinda meh. Dark, full-bodied, but fruit not great and empty on the back end.

Pours a deep garnet red...nose is delicious...raspberry, forest floor, Vanilla.....wow.what a nose Raspberry, cherry, tea, with tannins and some acidity.... Gained with air time....very good wine...

Very pleasurable and approachable. Tastes Northern Rhône...Cornas or a refined St Joseph. Pretty amazing the way the fruit and alcohol is dialed down for a Cote Roussilon. Soft mouthfeel, gentle dark fruit, hint of pepper, not remotely hard or rough.