2010 Syrah Mount Veeder

Just 400 cases made by the queen of vine identification Carole Meredith and Steve Lagier on their hand-tended vineyard. Fruit sorted in vineyard by removal of all raisined berries and unsatisfactory clusters before harvest. 100% crushed and de-stemmed. Fermented in food-grade plastic bins with punch down two to three times daily. Pressing gently straight after fermentation (around eight to nine days) into neutral (fourth use) French oak – no new. 18-20 months with two rackings. Unfiltered and unfined. Very deep, blackish purple. Savoury and very concentrated on the nose. Bone dry and very intense. A bit too much so at the moment. This tastes as though it could have done with a little more oxygen during its elevage – just a bit introvert and severe. I think it would be wise to age this quite a while, but it is certainly impressively dry. And recognisably Syrah – even if it seems to be going straight for the Hermitage style. (JR)

400 cases made. Very dark and glowing. Sweet and very lively. Good freshness and drive. Blackberry fruit and very fine tannins. Good but not dominant acidity.  Certainly not heavy or sweet.  Much denser than the average north Rhône wine though it's easy to see its relationship to Hermitage actually. Needs food at this stage. Just fades a little suddenly on the finish. (JR)

The 2010 Syrah is not for the faint of heart! A wine of serious power and richness, the 2010 hits the palate with black olives, grilled herbs, scorched earth and savory herbs, all supported by huge, explosive tannins. This structured, mountain Syrah will require some patience, but it is super-impressive, even at this embryonic stage. I loved it.