I know the weather is heating up, but nothing beats a complex, super-tasty Syrah. If the sun is too bright, stick this bottle into the refrigerator for twelve minutes, and you are good to go.
Julien Pilon is a native of Chavanay, just south of Condrieu, and did not come from a winemaking family like so many other producers in the Northern Rhône. He is a newcomer to the region and offers a range of micro-négoce Condrieu, Saint-Joseph, and Hermitage wines that simply deliver each and every time.
The 2015 Julien Pilon La Lorchette Côte-Rôtie opened with primary aromas and flavors of black plum, cassis, black pepper, black olive tapenade, rhubarb, and tarragon leaves. Secondary aromas and flavors included vanilla and clove. Tertiary notes were well-balanced with black plum preserves, forest floor, and tobacco. This wine was dry, with medium acidity (surprising), medium alcohol, medium (+) aroma and flavor intensity, medium + body, medium tannins. The finish was medium (+).
Pair this bad-boy Syrah with anything on the BBQ this summer. It is sultry, rich (without being too rich), sexy, and spicy.
