Grapelive Wine of the Week

By Kerry Winslow

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faurysyrah09.jpg2009 Domaine Faury Syrah Collines Rhodaniennes, Northern Rhone Red, France.
Domaine Philippe Faury makes some classic and wonderful wines from the Northern Rhone, I have raved about about their Condrieu and am very impressed by the Domaine’s St. Joseph wines, but this wine is just plain fantastic and one of the best values in Syrah that I have come across yet. The Faury 2008 was and is a lovely wine and it has al the right stuff, but the 2009 vintage goes way beyond in all areas. This Syrah has deep and heady perfume, jasmine, violets and wild flowers along with crushed rocks, mineral spice and a touch of pepper. The mouth is full and lively with lots of cassis, plum, blueberry and black currants leading the way in the pretty layers of fruit. There is a classic pure Syrah essence and it delivers pleasure and complexity with out an oak influence, the fruit gives everything you need and doesn’t lack for anything. The background has subtle mineral, white pepper, lavender, kirsch, chalky earth and just a hint of licorice. This balanced and young Syrah has ripe tannins that hold things together, but are not aggressive, so enjoy now. ($20 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive

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