David Lawrason: 2017 Le Vieux Pin Equinoxe Syrah

This vintage expresses keen and sensitive winemaking applied to southern Okanagan syrah – where sophistication and weave make the wine seem almost understated. But give it some aeration or bottle age to let it fully express. It is deeply coloured with a soft ripe, plummy nose that has flecks of syrah pepper and licorice, Okanagan sage and subtle oak vanillin. It is full bodied, fairly dense and very smooth – almost svelte – with alcohol so nicely balanced compared to many south Okanagan reds. And the tannins are so nicely buffed. It is delicious but I kept wanting a bit more length, especially at the price. There is some minerality on the finish. Best 2022 to 2027. Tasted Feb 2021