2004 Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Syrah

The 2004 Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Syrah is dense ruby/purple, tannic, and dominated by an animalistic character that will certainly be controversial with many tasters used to modern-styled wines. This is pretty wild and savage stuff with notes of incense, animal fur, roasted meats, vegetables, and who knows what else. It is brutally tannic and should probably be forgotten for a good 4-5 years. Keep your fingers crossed as to whether this ever comes into balance! The 2005s at this renowned estate, both the Cotes du Rhones from the Fonselette estate and the Chateauneuf du Papes, are cool-climate style wines with some austerity but admirable delicacy and lightness. I didn’t think they were among the vintage’s strongest efforts, but they are certainly very much in keeping with the style of past Jacques Reynaud wines. Importer: Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400