Vaisse, Coteaux Galibalou Russe, Pays d'Herault

Benjamin described it very well. It’s a very good Syrah from southern France. Bouquet of blueberries and some plums but quite juicy and fresh. Good body, not overly complex but good to drink with enough acidity to not tire you out.

Decanted for an hour, double. Dark garnet, slight clearing on edges. Incredibly complex and unusual nose of plum, Christmas Cake, menthol, five spice, cinnamon quill, ink, blood and cold crushed river rocks, fresh bag of ground coffee, odder green notes of a ream of paper, pine, raw synthetic fibres, finishing with root and berry notes of liquorice and juniper. Palate is softer, quieter and less complex, but still elegant and juicy of blackcurrant, jam, cured meats and blackcurrant style cough …