Syrah Ava, Rall 2019

The 2019 Ava Syrah comes from schist soils and is whole bunch fermented before aging in used oak. It has a gorgeous, seductive nose of pure blackberry, mulberry and light pine needle and garrigue scents, a bit of fennel emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly grainy tannins on the entry, and plenty of graphite-tinged black fruit merging with savory dried blood notes toward the beautifully balanced finish. You could broach this now, but personally I would tuck away a few bottles. 2022 - 2040

A compellingly gorgeous, savoury Syrah, from a forgotten 2.4ha, 21-year-old schist vineyard next to the Ava Chenin vineyard, discovered by Rall 2016. Tiny yields of concentrated berries are whole-bunch foot-trodden, giving an intense, complex and umami-laden wine bursting with exotic aromas and flavours: sour cherries, spring flowers, bergamot, cured meat and the classic white pepper note of the variety. Incredible precision, purity and racy balancing acidity – just joyous!