‘The big hitters of Côte-Rôtie have produced some wonderful and elegant wines that may well surprise us over time’ (JR). The Jamet Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2021 is a leaner, aromatically intense Syrah which is sure to excite fans of the Sons of Sugarland Syrah.
Verzier's Saint-Joseph Empreinte 2021 is one of our perennial favourites. Maxime Verzier, is a good friend of Loïc Jamet's and his wines have an uncanny, stylistic similarity. Their Saint-Josephs are reminiscent of Côte-Rôtie; perfumed, spicy, and offer excellent value.
Alain Graillot, the undisputed king of Crozes-Hermitage, has produced appellation-defining wines since 1985. Maxime Graillot took over from his father, Alain, and started his own domaine, Des Lises in the 2000s. A string of excellent vintages has proved that the Graillot dynasty is safe in Maxime’s hands. 100% whole-bunch fermentation is key with Alain’s organically-farmed, old-vine Syrah. His wines are fragrant, savoury and mineral. For Domaine des Lises, Maxime adopts a subtly different approach. By destemming his grapes, his wines are a touch more modern in style with similar power, florals and spicy mineral notes.
Slightly more accessible in its youth, but with all the hallmarks of the Grand Vin, Clape’s Cornas Renaissance 2021 is supple and densely packed with signature Cornas trademarks – black olives and cherries, gamey spices and liquorice. ‘These are structured, long-lived wines that are definitely built for the patient consumer – even in tough vintages’ opines Josh Raynolds of Vinous.
These Syrahs, with alcohol levels between 12-13%, are layered and elegantly restrained. From humble beginnings, the Northern Rhône’s wines are now highly sought-after and often near-impossible to obtain. Grab these classics with both hands whilst you can.
View our full range of Northen Rhône wines.