Terre Rouge 'High Slopes' Syrah 2016

Terre Rouge and Easton Wines was founded in the late 80s by husband and wife team Bill Easton and Jane O’Riordan. Winemaker Bill Easton began his career in the wine business working for small California wineries. In the late 70's he founded Solano Cellars, a wine shop in Berkeley, California, specializing in small artisan producers from around the world. From years in the shop and traveling extensively in Europe, Bill's palate and style of winemaking developed. He creates wines that are balanced and elegant, with complexity that develops as the wines age in bottle. The French call it élevage, which is "raising" the wine in the bottle. There is an art to this style of winemaking and great pleasure in a wine that is ready to drink, while still showing great promise for future aging.

TERRE ROUGE means "Red Earth". This vermillion-colored soil is one of the hallmarks of our region. Our vineyards are in soils that are largely granite and volcanic-based. The TERRE ROUGE portfolio is composed of wines made from Rhône varietals grown in the rugged and varying terroirs of this region: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne. High elevation sites up to 3200’ contribute to the complexity of our wines.

" Intricate, subtle oak spices complement deep, rich and opulent fruit flavors in this big, full-bodied but completely agile wine sourced from sites near or above 3,000 feet. A panoply of cedar, graphite, earth and mineral accents enhance luxurious black cherry and dark chocolate while a velvety wrapping of fine-grained tannins caresses the palate. Best from 2024. *Cellar Selection*" - WE

Wine Enthusiast | 98pts