Syrah – Matt Walls Wine Blog

Olivier et Lafond

Matt — Sat, 29 Dec 2018 09:58:25 +0000

A little Cinsault in the blend here too, all destemmed. Gentle, detailed berry fruits. Only medium-bodied, lovely sense of freshness, with a tight tannic frame and good sense of tension. Not terribly concentrated but well-handled for the vintage. Early drinking, with much pleasure. No overt oak – no oak apparent. Alcohol just a little raised, but very drinkable nonetheless.

Olivier et Lafond

Matt — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 15:56:50 +0000

Five-year-old négociant business, a partnership between two winemaking consultants. Medium-bodied, with fairly intense acidity, well tapered, with warming alcohol on the finish. Fine, soft tannins – a little loose in structure. Good intensity, but a little heavy – alcohol a little too high for comfort. Elegant, but not the most complex.

Château des Tours

Matt — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 18:47:50 +0000

Slightly cloudy ruby. Sandalwood, cedar, red cherry and strawberry. Touch of raspberry and raspberry leaf. Full-bodied, but only just, with lovely Provençale herbs and bright acidity on the finish. Not long, touch of pepper on the finish. The Rayas winemaking touch is clearly there. Touch of fine tannin, but not much. Lovely harmonious, fairly well-balanced style, with some complexity of expression.

Domaine des Tours

Matt — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 18:35:39 +0000

Remarkably pale, not far off a rosé. Pure red cherry fragrance, English strawberry, sage. Light- to medium-bodied, good acidity, dry finish, very dry in fact, savoury and slightly herbal. Gentle sucrosité to the fruit, not terribly intense, quite short, but at least authentic and true to the region and producer. Basic stuff, but enough interest to make it worthwhile.

Château des Tours

Matt — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 15:37:19 +0000

Very pale colour. Pure English strawberry and sage. Medium- to full-bodied, vibrant pinpoint acidity. Very herbal in style: rosemary, thyme. Dry finish, herbal and resinous, very savoury, not long. Very drinkable, with a slight mineral seam.