Thalarn 2017

All vineyards sit and average of 1000 meters above sea level, with perfect southerly exposures allowing optimum ripeness in the face of shorter growing seasons. The climate is continental, with a notable diurnal shift in temperature between night and day. The property consists of 95 HA, 25 of which are under vine. Soils are generally a mix of calcareous and clay-loam.

Grapes are hand harvested using small,10kg boxes. Fermentation took place is three containers: 12th century stone vats, new French barriques and in small stainless steel tanks. This is proceeded by a 12 month elevage in French oak

A challenging year, with spring frost reducing yields and a mix of heat and drought causing cine stress through the growing season. Despite this, bunches were of good quality during harvest, with talented winemakers able to balance the resulting concentration of fruit

Bristling on the nose with brambly fruit, sweet cigar smoke and crunchy autumn leaves, Thalarn is generous on the palate, digging in to the best of what syrah does: dark fruit, smoke, cured meat, fresh clay, and a veil of cayenne pepper all gratify the taster.