Ferraton Père & Fils : Le Méal 2018

100% Syrah. Cask sample. Tasted blind. Juicy bramble fruit, leathery palate, long and stately on the finish, with semi-firm tannins and powerful, compact fruit that will become much more interesting with time. (RH)

Deep, bright-rimmed purple. Powerful blueberry and blackcurrant aromas are complicated by suggestions of candied flowers, vanilla and incense and a hint of licorice appears in the background. Stains the palate with alluringly sweet black/blue fruit preserve, spicecake, salty olive and violet pastille flavors that are underscored by a vein of smoky minerality. Blends richness and energy with a sure hand and finishes extremely long and precise, with steadily building tannins adding shape and final grip. (all de-stemmed fruit and 40% new oak)

The fruit is intense, with depth, and a muscular finish that tightens up and offers a fresh touch of menthol. One to forget in the cellar