Parnasse Syrah 2014 and Bernard Schurr CDR Villages 2014

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• Parnasse Pays d’Oc Syrah 2014
  Syrah from France - Other

  Review Date : 02-Dec-2015

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Dark, deep, black-hued ruby-red colour, a little lighter on the rim. The nose is softly packed with aromas of fresh dark red berry fruit entwined with subtle earthy and dried herbal elements, unfolding hints of spice and liquorice. The aromatics are soft in expression. Medium bodied, the palate features light, juicy flavours of savoury dark red berry fruits with herb and earthy notes. The mouthfeel is refreshing with lacy acidity and supple from light tannin extraction. The fruit flavours recede as the tannins grow in presence to carry the wine to a dry, fine-textured finish with light berry and herb flavours. This is an up-front, juicy, country-style Syrah with savoury red fruit and dry structure. Match with barbecued fare, pasta and casseroles over the next 2-3 years. 100% Syrah from Nimes, Beziers and the Aude Valley from vines 20 y.o., destemmed and fermented to 13.5% alc., the wine aged in seasoned oak and tank. 16.5/20 Dec 2015 RRP $20.00
• Bernard Schurr ‘Plan de Dieu’ Cotes du Rhone Villages 2014
  Blended Red from France - Rhone

  Review Date : 19-Jan-2017

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Even, dark ruby-red colour with slight purple hues, paler on edge. This has a well-concentrated bouquet with moderately firm aromas of dark raspberry and black cherry fruit entwined with subtle notes of dried herbs, nutty oak, earth and mineral elements, the aromatics beginning to show some secondary complexing development. Medium-full bodied, the palate possesses elegantly rich flavours of savoury dark raspberries and cherries interwoven with dried herbs, nutty oak and secondary earthy detail. The mouthfeel is juicy and enlivened by fresh acidity, and the wine has balanced extraction providing background structure and grip. The wine flows with good energy to a nuanced finish of savoury red fruits and dried herbs. This is a juicy Cotes du Rhone Villages red with savoury red fruit and dried herb flavours beginning to develop secondary interest, on a fresh, balanced palate. Match with roasted and slow cooked poultry and game meats over the next 4 years. 50% each Grenache and Syrah from ‘Plan de Dieu’, fermented to 14.5% alc., the wine aged 9 months in seasoned large oak. Certified Agriculture France organic. 17.5+/20 Jan 2017 RRP $30.00 Bernard Schurr founded ‘Le Courtilles in 1977. From 2012 his wine is made at Domaine de Lambisque, hence the new label. 50% each Grenache and Syrah from ‘Plan de Dieu’, fermented to 14.5% alc., the wine aged 9 months in seasoned large oak. Bright, dark ruby-red colour with youthful purple hues. This has a fresh bright and elegantly presented nose of aromatic dark red berry fruit and savoury dark raspberries intermingling with garrigue herbs, spices and peppery notes. Medium-full bodied, rich, sweet and juicy fruit flavours of dark red berries, raspberries and cherries show with freshness and liveliness. The acidity and fine-grained, supple tannins lend an energetic mouthfeel. Florals and herbs unfold with notes of spice and liquorice, leading to a long, dry, fine-featured finish. This is a sweet-fruited, lively Cotes du Rhone Villages with attractive garrigue herbal interest and a supple texture. Match with Mediterranean fare over the next 4+ years. Certified Agriculture France organic. 17.5/20 Dec 2015 RRP $30.00