Hervé Souhaut ‘Syrah’

Hervé Souhaut ‘Syrah’ – instantly recognisable as an inherently graceful power within the natural order. Seemingly, it remains poised on its haunches, ready to strike in an explosive flurry of vehement aromatics. This cool-climate Syrah shadow-walks. Gradually, it reveals a billowing depth of layered aromas, inducing startling levels of shock and awe. Initially growling from the glass are fervent black fruits; fleshy plums and cherries mingle vivaciously with violets. Black liquorice offers a racy attitude to the wild herbal underbelly as nuanced hints of candied strawberry and nettle lick the jowls. Finally, a reverberation of wet-stone and soft, ripe tannins augment the accessibility of this wine. A power-hungry expression of Syrah that offers a welcome and tireless drinkability.

Domaine Romaneaux-Destezet was established in 1993 in the northern Ardéche hamlet of Arbelosc. Souhaut’s holdings are planted on acidic granite soils; the vines range in age from 50 to 100 years old and he works them according to organic and biodynamic principles. Having a mere five hectares to his name, his yields are low yet inarguably precise, with a dignified sense of place. He owns two vineyards situated just opposite the fabled Saint Joseph hills; due to their elevation and southern exposure, they are widely regarded as being among the finest wine-making sites. Towards the end of September, the grapes are manually harvested. Subsequently, they undergo an extremely long maceration at a low temperature. Finally, there occurs a six-month maturation in old oak casks on the fine lees. His wines are neither filtered nor fined.

Hervé Souhaut ‘Syrah’ – a greedy winter-warmer; complex and wonderfully accessible. Alongside pigeon, pork, duck or guinea fowl, this would drink like a dream.