Château Romanin Grand Vin Rouge – 2018

Organic
Syrah, Mourvèdre (50/50)
Les Baux-de-Provence (Provence)
Silver medal, Decanter
Gold medal, Concours des Vins de Terre Vins

On a northern slope of the Alpilles mountains (the “little Alps”), by the town of St Rémy de Provence, lie the ruins of a 13th century Templar castle. At its feet, or, really, underneath it, is a cave carved out of the mountain rock. Stone arches and pillars reinforce the space, giving it the look of an underground cathedral. It was here, in French oak barrels, that this 2018 aged for 19 months.

Syrah, one of the darkest of the red wines, tends to pop early on the palate — high “attack” to use a musical term. Mourvèdre, a richer if slower wine, adds depth. Winemaker Théo Buravand has managed to turn down the “attack” while turning up the mid-t0-late palate experience to produce a wine that starts surprisingly soft for a syrah, then gradually builds into the powerhouse you were expecting. Look for black cherry, raspberry and smoke (the syrah) with lingering pepper and rich red fruit notes.