2008 Syrah Coteaux du Languedoc Clos Leone

85% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre. Certified organic. Quite bloody and juniper berry on the nose, then much bolder and more forward on the palate than its stablemate. A coiled nub of damsons and prunes at the heart and then tobacco leaf and sumac, a cloud of pepper hovering over the lingering finish. Masses of dry, fibrous, but beautifully refined tannins that buttress rather than overshadow the mid palate. Still plenty of freshness and life. (TC)