The wines of Côte Rôtie have been celebrated for thousands of years. Made from pure Syrah at its northernmost growing limit, Côte Rôtie represents Syrah at its most refined. Our source for Côte Rôtie is the Domaine Bonnefond.
Vinous’s Josh Raynolds recently called Bonnefond’s wines “as graceful a group of wines that I’ve ever sampled.” Their flagship Côte Rôties come in three cuvées, all of which we strongly recommend — their refined, classy and downright delicious.
But if you’re interested in sampling the Bonnefond style with less commitment, the domaine also produces one of our favorite IGP Syrahs, made just outside the Côte Rôtie appellation. It’s as complex and polished as any $25 bottle we can think of.
Bonnefond’s regional level Syrah requires neither investment nor patience. At once dark, intense, and lively, it shows the inky, meaty characteristics of Syrah, but with unusual lift and grace.
The 2017 is among our favorite vintages they’ve made of this wine. The nose is spiced and expressive, with notes of blackberries, tapenade, black pepper, and game. The mouth is beautifully balanced — at 12.5% alcohol it’s smooth and long, with dense meaty notes joining plum fruits and graceful minerality.
With its fresh fruit and peppery mouthfeel this is excellent food wine — lamb and duck are particularly nice matches. But accompaniment isn’t required — pour yourself a slightly cooled glass of this after work on a weekday evening your mood will reset with ease.
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Bonnefond Syrah 2017
bottle price: $25
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