Francois Villard, Appel Sereines Syrah, VdF

Might have opened this too early. Deep purple in the glass, still tannic on the palate. Some antiseptic notes on the nose.

I've not enjoyed Syrah much lately, so this bottle was a pleasant surprise. Clearly represents the variety, but pitched in a direction I found pleasant. Rich fruitiness, some pepper, pretty smooth, light herbs, easy drinking and appealing; wood not much of a factor. Perhaps simple, but quite tasty.

VGV. Meat and tappenade

Very nice, outstanding even when considering the price.

I enjoyed this. Gives you that peppery warmth that Syrah can give with a bit of complexity that you’re not necessarily expecting at this price. Definitely a crowd pleaser. I’d buy more.

Edit, this note was for the 2018 vintage. Pours a dark violet in the glass, served with pan seared pork loin with a red wine sauce. On the nose: leather, smoked meat, blackberries and blueberries On the palate: blue fruits, peppercorns, and a medium length finish with notes of leather. Great wine for the price.

Medium purple colour. Medium and developing nose with blackberry, blueberry, black pepper and vanilla. Medium taste of blackberry, blueberry, black pepper and licorice. Medium long and dry finish. High acidity. High tannins. Medium (+) body. A good Northern Rhône Syrah that lacks some complexity. Drink now or over the next couple of years. Goes well with beef or game.

Très jeune mais plutôt sympa

Intense nose of apparent, ripe fruit of blackberry, some plum and pine needle. Medium fresh with soft and ripe fruit. Ok lenght in a finish with soft tannins. Nice, fruity and silky Syrah.

Edit, this note was for the 2018 vintage. Dark maroon with a light red rim. On the nose: first thing that hits is the intensity of the aromas. Ripe plums, black cherries, and some form of earthiness, soil come through. On the palate: medium acidity with notes of a berry salad (strawberries, blueberries) and finishes on a hint of black peppercorns.