Deborah Podugriel: 2018 Le Vieux Pin Syrah Cuvee Violette

Le Vieux Pin Syrah Cuvée 2018 Violette is produced from 99% Syrah and 1% Viognier. Straight off the top the nose on this wine is fragrant with, well you guessed it, violets, as well as rich cherry, plum, fine herb and savoury aromas. On the palate this dry, fruity, medium-plus-bodied and elegant Syrah is so silky, sensual and liquid luscious and long with a kiss of pepper on the finish. The wine was fermented in cement, oak and stainless-steel tank with 10 months ageing in a mix of concrete, oak casks and six months in neutral French oak barrels. Pour with a duck confit and roasted small potatoes. This is a beautifully-crafted Syrah that is so good now, but will continue to evolve for the next five years. However, the 2018 vintage is already difficult to find! Tasted February 2021.