Six Bottles Of Syrah

These bottles were tasted at our latest monthly tasting, courtsey of Patrik this time.

2020 Côte-Rôtie, Maison Lex Alexandrins

A nice, warm nose with notes of violets, herbs and undergrowth. Very good.

The taste is spicy and lightly peppery with notes of dried meat and violets. A medium long, dry finish.

87p   (tasted 2026/10)

2015 Côte-Rôtie Maestria, Domaine Levet

A strange bottle. A high, distinctive nose with notes of chives, sweet lime and white pepper.

The taste is seedy and dry with notes of red beets, cat pee and some green notes. Judgement withhold.

?p   (tasted 2026/10)

2015 Côte-Rôtie Château d´Ampuis, Guigal

A deep, spicy nose with notes of smoke, asphalt and ripe blackberries. Very fine.

The taste is racy and fine with fiery, aristocratic black fruit and notes of rubber, smoke and leather.

92p   (tasted 2026/10)

2019 Amon-Ra, Ben Glaetzer

A forward, ripe nose with notes of meat, sweet violets and scorched earth. Deep and fine.

The taste is rich and tight with fine black fruit, silky tannins and a long, warm finish. 

91p   (tasted 2026/10)

2017 The Beast Shiraz, Hentley Farm

A restrained, layered nose with notes of balsamico cooked raspberries, dried meat, fir wood and tobacco. Very fine.

The taste is taut and concentrated with notes of blackberries, chocolate, smoke and a fine balsamic note. Very, very long.

94p   (tasted 2026/10)

2016 Descendant, Torbreck

This 94% Shiraz and 6% Viognier blend offers up a high, intense nose with notes of soy sauce, overripe red apples, toothpaste and band-aid. All over the place.

The taste is big and brawny with vinegar cooked red fruit, scorched earth and a long, fiery, unbalanced finish. Not my cup of tea.

82p   (tasted 2026/10)