2019 Syrah Cuvée Classique

Syrah cuvee classique IN 7 WORDS

Bramble Meat Spicy Savoury Rosemary Brooding Intensity

Winemakers Notes

While it combines elements of both the old and new world, our Syrah Cuvee Classique leans more toward what you would expect from France’s Rhone Valley – hence the name. While its sibling Cuvée Violette showcases the floral, graceful and perfumed side of Syrah, Cuvée Classique shows the dark, savoury, spicy and powerful side of this noble grape variety. The wine is nuanced and elegant, yet structured in its youth. In 2019, there is an extra savoury dimension to this wine. white peppercorn, rusted iron, dark blackberries, a touch of black olives and aromatic herbs make up the aromatic and flavour profiles of this wine. There is a great balance between the components already albeit the wine is on the young side. Can be enjoyed in youth or tucked away for the mid or even long term.

Pairing

Meat-Based

Rosemary and Thyme-Braised Lamb shoulder with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes or Anise-Crusted Vision Loin with Garlic Mash are a couple of our favourites to pair this wine with.

Plant-Based

Cauliflower Steak with Romesco Sauce or a Lentil Shepherd’s Pie will go a long way with this wine.

Technical Details

Accolades

This is the big brother to Violette, mostly from the Le Verger vineyard (used to be known as Airfield, due to the vineyard's slightly elevated location on a small bench underneath the Osoyoos airport). This year's Cuvée Classique comes 73% off Osoyoos Lake District and 27% off Black Sage Bench, with 19 months in French oak barrels and puncheons (35% new). Sultry dark blackberry, black plum are imbued with baking spices and downy violets running the length of the fuller palate, housed by ample, well-integrated tannins and lit with a grapefruit pith acidity. Dark cocoa and espresso is woven throughout, and the finish lingers with cracked black pepper. Very complete. A brooding, structural style drinking smartly now, and with time ahead.

Treve Ring | Gismondi on wine | 92 Points

Cuvee Classique is the bigger version of Cuvée Violette. Winemaker Severine Pinte suggests it combines elements of both the Old and New World in her syrah, although Cuvée Classique is Rhone-ish. Deep, dark, and savoury, it speaks to the power of south Okanagan syrah, and its peppery, back olive, dried herb notes. It is fully ripe but the tension provided by its juicy acidity runs throughout. Lamb shoulder or cauliflower steak are perfect matches for meat lovers or vegetarians, respectively. This is split 73/27 between Osoyoos Lake District and Black Sage Bench, and spends 19 months in French oak barrels and puncheons, of which 35% are new. You can drink it now, but three to five years of cellaring will repay your patience. Impressive.

Anthony Gismondi | Gismondi On wine | 92 Points