2001 Chateau de Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Syrah Reserve, Rhone, France 750ml

The 100% Syrah offering, which was introduced by the late Jacques Reynaud in 1978, the 2001 Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Syrah is an inky/purple-colored effort displaying a provocative perfume of beef blood, composty/autumnal leaves, blackberries, and cassis. Firm and tannic as well as heady and full-bodied, it possesses the structure and grip of a Bordeaux Medoc, and boasts serious concentration. At present, it is quite austere, and in need of considerable aging.