2015 Domaine Jamet, Syrah, Collines Rhodaniennes, Rhone Valley, France.
Domaine Jamet, now run by Corinne, Jean-Paul and Loic after the split with Jean-Luc who is now running his own Domaine with a equal portion of the original estate plots, continues to be a cult legend and highly prized Cote-Rotie house making amazingly soulful pure Syrahs that have depth and grace. After trying Jean-Luc’s version I was thrilled to get a chance to sample the true Domaine Collines Rhodaniennes example, especially since I also just tasted the glorious Domaine Jamet Cote-Rotie (in a blind tasting where I first thought it was Grand Cru Burgundy (Pinot) such was the grace and class shown by that fantastic bottle) which was mind-blowing. The 2015 Jamet entry level Syrah, imported by Skyliner Fine Wines and sold to me by Vinopolis Wine Shop in Portland Oregon is a dark beauty showing refined details and with a fan dance of seduction and moody charms. It gets off the line with tangy red and blue fruits, light reduction, herbs de provence, delicate floral tones, peppercorns and lavender oil with a slight note of graphite/camphor along with iron ore leading to the vital palate of tart currant, boysenberry, bright cherry, blueberry and tangy plum. Fun, vibrant and polished, this is made from all de-stemmed Syrah (sorted grapes) is light/medium bodied, fermented with native yeasts and hand crafted with a gentile touch and care to highlight it’s purity, it doesn’t have much in the way of oak, maybe it is cement or tank aged? regardless it is wonderfully pure, lively and heavenly to experience.
($33 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive
