Country: France / Esprit de Granit
Variety: Syrah Rhône Valley
Winery: Cave de Tain / Saint-Joseph
This is richly oaked, which may turn off some northern Rhône purists, but the underlying fruit is superb, with the toast, cedar and vanilla notes amply supported by black cherry fruit. The texture is velvety, leaving the flavors to linger softly on the finish.