Another great outcome from the difficult 2021 vintage at Domaine du Mazel. This is 100% Syrah given a ten-day, whole-bunch carbonic maceration before being pressed back into tank. This had completed fermentation 6 months later, rather than in the usual 2 years, so was bottled early with no additions, in spring 2022.

As such, it's a more lifted and vibrant expression than previous vintages. There is an underlying, almost peat-y smokiness to the nose, but balanced with a pastel perfume that hits the top notes. The palate is all salty black olive and blackcurrant, with some deeply savoury bitters and the line of acidity is taut with energetic vim. Mazel never fail to surprise and this is one of their most beguiling Syrahs yet.

Valvignères, Ardèche, France

Syrah. 12.5%