Oliver Zeter Reserve Syrah / 2018 / 75cl

This may seem a touch on the pricey side at first glance.  But once you've tried it you'll be more than happy to look at its price with the same lens as you would top Cote Rotie.  Suddenly the Zeter Reserve Syrah starts looking like a bargain.

To emphasise the norther Rhone style, the grapes are left to macerate for a period of 3-4 weeks after the fermentaion before the young Syrah is drawn off and placed in terracotta amphoras, where it is allowed to mature for about 14 months, along with a small proportion that goes into barrique.  It is then bottled without fining or filtration and remains in the bottle for at least another 12 months before release.

The bouquet is fine and fresh with light nuances of iron and lots of blue berries.  The palate is fleshy, with black olives and ripe sloes.  The wine shows a lot of grip and concentration, without any jammy hints.

Oliver Zeter