Famille Perrin, Vinsobres 2017 'Les Hauts de Julien'

Ripe with cherry notes mixed with the black fruit of the Syrah which also provides good tannic support. It seems the Syrah is particularly good this year judging by this and other wines. The wine is extremely well balanced, carrying its high alcohol well.

Drinking Dates: 2022 to 2030

Cépagement: 50% each Syrah and Grenache

Upbringing: The entire harvest is destemmed. Syrah is vinified in wooden truncated tanks that are punched down and pumped over. The Grenache is vinified in stainless steel tanks. The Syrah is partly aged in one year old oak barrels. Blending takes place after malolactic fermentation and the wines age for a least 6 months before being released.

ABV: 15%

"A serious value [this] is a Northern Rhone lookalike with its violet, raspberry, underbrush and crushed flower style aromatic profile. Coming from the northernmost part of the Southern Rhone, this medium-bodied, elegant 2012 builds nicely on the palate with fine tannin and fresh acidity lending focus and length on the finish. It will have upward of a decade of longevity." 92/100 (Wine Advocate)

'Readers shouldn’t miss [Famille Perrin's]  Vinsobres releases; the flagship Les Hauts De Julien possibly one of the finest Syrah-dominated blends made in the southern Rhône!' (Jeb Dunnock)