2010 Domaine Georges Vernay, Syrah “Fleur de Mai” Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes, Rhone Red, France.
Christine Vernay is one of the brightest stars in the Northern Rhone, she makes some of the greatest Condrieu there is and her Syrah based wines are a hit too. In recent years her fame has grown, and she has been consulting far and wide, including at the d’ Alessandro winery in Cortona Italy, but it is her beautiful home grown wine that I wish to tell you about, especially this amazing and textured Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes “Fleurs de Mai” from Syrah vines near Condrieu, coming off rocky hillside vines. The 2010 Fleur de Mai is beautifully detailed, perfumey and lush with vibrant fruit and elegant balance with good smooth tannins, acidity and mineral essence, while complex earthy truffle, black olive and game notes speak of terroir. The layers of blueberry, cherry and boysenberry fruits flow seamlessly across the palate with hints of licorice, meat, garrigue and lavender as well. You could compare this jewel to many Cote-Rotie or Saint-Joseph wines at two or three times the price. Search this one out if you love Syrah, it is a true classic and one to enjoy young, and often!
($34 Est.) 93+ Points, grapelive
