Yves Cuilleron VDP Des Collines Rhodaniennes Syrah 2007 (Northern Rhone, France)
$35, Cork

I read today that the French wine industry has won its very important battle against the neo prohibitionist movement, finally allowing the French to advertise wine online. The changes to French regulations also rebuking some of the ridiculous extremes of the notorious Edin Law which threatened to ban wine tastings of all kinds in France (more here). To celebrate this quietly important victory comes a distinctively French red.

Firstly the packaging – raised lettering, simple labelling (including the production figures:12,500 bottles) and perhaps the finest cork I’ve seen in ages. Cuilleron has nailed it there.
The wine itself is bright purple, extremely purple even in colour, the nose is pure Rhone – tomato leaves, tobacco, stewed fruit, roasted meat & leather in a rather fragrant and characterful style.

The palate itself is spicy, rich and mulchy, with sour red fruit running right through the mid palate, confirming this wines absolute youth. Its just a little light, but the stylish, slightly bitter finish and lingering tea leaf tannins make for a wine of real appeal. Its just 12.5% alcohol and all the better for it too.

Real Rhonish and commanding to be drunk with pizza, I’d drink this delicious red sooner rather than later. 17.8