2017 Gangloff, Cote Rotie, Barbarine

Inky ruby. Sexy aromas of black raspberry, cherry liqueur and Asian spices, with bright mineral and floral overtones that build in the glass. Silky, pliant and fine-grained, offering palate-staining red/dark berry, spicecake and violet pastille flavors that are braced by a spine of zesty minerality. Suave and polished in character, finishing with well-knit tannins, excellent focus and resonating floral and mineral character.

Two barrel samples, which will be blended roughly 50-50 in the final blend. Barrel sample one: 100% Syrah, 50% whole-cluster fermentation. Meaty, very savoury and leathery. Serious, heavy, peppery palate. Really rich and thick on the palate. Loads of floral scent on the finish. Finishes very bitter. Barrel sample two: 95% Syrah, 5% Viognier. 30% whole-cluster fermentation. Sweeter, more lifted fruit on the palate, with a dark, toasted spice character. Juniper-style bitterness to finish. Very appetising. (RH)