Syrah Saint-Jean VdF 2020

Wine Description for Syrah Saint-Jean VdF 2020 by Saint Jean Du Barroux

Colour & Appearance

Luminous, slightly transparent purple-red with a brightening rim – a Syrah that visually communicates its youth and freshness.

Nose

Initially the wine presents itself with reductive notes reminiscent of smoke, peat and raw meat – typical of an unruly young Syrah. With air contact, a juicy fruit palette develops of boysenberries, blackberries and plums. Despite its maturity, the character remains remarkably cool and firm – a fingerprint of the altitude and north-facing aspect.

Palate

A wine caught between power and elegance. The structure is firm and demanding, calling for decanting or patience in the cellar. The tannins present themselves ripe and juicy, whilst the fruit retains a crisp freshness. What makes this wine particularly special: the sweet extract and the silky acidity, woven together with fine yeast notes. A Syrah still in the making, yet already hinting at its considerable potential.

Finish

Persistent with juicy fruit and a fine tannin structure that promises length.

Terroir & Origin

The Saint-Jean parcel lies at 350 metres altitude on the north-facing side of Mont Ventoux. The stony-clay soils from the Oligocene impart the wine with its mineral tension and cool elegance – unusual for the southern Rhône.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pure Syrah, hand-harvested on 3 September 2020. 90% destemmed, twelve days fermentation in concrete vat, followed by eleven months maturation in stainless steel and nine months bottle age. Only 2,037 bottles produced – a micro-cuvée with rarity value.

Food Pairing Recommendations

The structured character calls for robust companions: entrecôte with anchovy butter and grilled vegetables, grilled tuna steaks with Mediterranean herbs or a classic pork roast with olive sauce.

Special Characteristics

A Syrah that embodies the cooler interpretation of the southern Rhône – more finesse than power, more elegance than opulence. Recommendation: Enjoy now with decanting or allow 3-5 years of ageing.