2015 Ventoux Divergente

According to Jonathan Livingstone-Learmonth’s excellent drinkrhone.com site: '90% Syrah (1960s), 10% Grenache (early 1970s) from clay-limestone soils, four-week vinification, light cap punching, 70% large oak barrel, 30% egg vat raised on full lees 12-13 months, unfined, unfiltered, 4,000 bottles.’ Very dark purple. Aromatic and strongly liquorice scented. Good tension and life. Polished texture. Young but exciting. Bone dry on the end but not uncomfortably drying. (JR)

A new cuvee that comes all from Petite Serrine vines (old Syrah) planted in 1961, the 2015 Ventoux Divergente was completely destemmed and aged in a single new Foudre (400 cases). Sebastien opted to bottle this cuvee separately as he'd never seen Syrah at this level. I can't argue with him and this is one sensational looking barrel sample that's reminiscent of a top flight Hermitage. Offering layers of creme de cassis, crushed flowers, lots of minerality, full-bodied richness and a boatload of tannin, the only downside here will be the tiny quantities.

A new cuvee that comes all from Petite Serrine vines (old Syrah) planted in 1961, the 2015 Ventoux Divergente was completely destemmed and aged in a single new Foudre (400 cases). Sebastien opted to bottle this cuvee separately as he'd never seen Syrah at this level. I can't argue with him and this is one sensational looking barrel sample that's reminiscent of a top flight Hermitage. Offering layers of creme de cassis, crushed flowers, lots of minerality, full-bodied richness and a boatload of tannin, the only downside here will be the tiny quantities. Oct 2016, www.robertparker.com