David Lawrason: 2019 violette

La Violette has been considered the benchmark in more affordable BC syrah for the past handful of years, thanks to the deft winemaking of Severine Pinte who emigrated from the south of France to the Okanagan several years ago. She is combining viticultural know-how and winemaking acuity to create syrahs that capture the grape to a tee, with a structural and winemaking sensibility that the French have mastered. There is a weave, complexity and balance that is very fine, if just a bit Euro rustic rather than New World glossy. Expect accurate syrah cherry, pepper, BC sage, dried leaf and dusty earthiness on the nose and palate. The length is very good to excellent, although I wished for more (which is to be found in her more expensive wines). Best 2022 to 2025.