13% abv, Tain, imported by Terlato Wine International, Lake Bluff, IL.
Created in the early 19th Century, the Chapoutier family wine business shifted their emphasis to exploring the terroir of the Northern Rhône valley through single vineyard wines in 1989 and biodynamic and organic viticulture in 1990. They have built a dynasty since while also exploring new terrors in the south of France and beyond. Not quite the top of the their range, built respectable, the ‘Meysonnieres’ terroir in Crozes-Hermitage is produced from 100% Syrah and is limited to around 120 cases for the US market. Produced from their younger 25+ year-old vines and aged in concrete tanks for 12 months before being bottled, its a nice wine although I suspect the price has been creeping steadily north since the 2011 was released into the market.
Our 2011 ‘Les Meysonnieres’ is deep ruby with hints of garnet along the rim with a medium+ intensity on the nose, verging on pronounced, with aromas of smoked meats, stewed red and black fruit with blackberry, damson and a honeyed aromas of wildflowers and beeswax. The acidity is medium+ on the palate with matching medium plus tannins, a medium body, and a medium plus finish with flavors of cascade raspberry, bacon jam, roasted peach, violet, white pepper, raw honey and a touch of balsamic. The acidity provided by the lean 2011 vintage is on display here, giving this the legs to be drinking very well right now; I didn’t miss the window, so to say, but it is best to drink now on peak. This wine is very good: 9.0/10.