VGS Château Potelle – Syrah 2016 – Mount Veeder, Napa Valley

The nose is fruity and a bit tight. The wine needs to be put in carafe. It reveals notes of boysenberry and cassis associated with small notes of violet, small wild berries / elderberry, camphor as well as slight / discreet touches of Timut pepper, toasted touches and slight hints of sweet spices. The palate is fruity, juicy, well-balanced, suave, gourmande and offers a beautiful definition, a slight tension, finesse, a slight acid frame, a small freshness, a silky matter, straightness as well as an almost saline minerality. On the palate this wine expresses notes of juicy / fleshy blackberry, juicy /crushed cassis and small notes of juicy elderberry combined with small touches of licorice, small wild red berries, camphor, racy minerality, liquorice as well as discreet hints of tonka bean / cocoa, caramelization and a very discreet hint of Sichuan pepper (in the background). Tannins are fine and a bit mellow. Good length. Small chew on the finish. There is a very discreet hint of crushed hazelnuts on the aftertaste. (2020+)