Fonsalette Syrah, Château Rayas 1996

From a cool terroir located 25 kilometers north of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and from Syrah cuttings from J.L Chave, the 1996 Château Rayas Côtes du Rhône Château de Fonsalette Cuvée Syrah is a big, rich and meaty wine with ripe, smoky cassis and black cherry fruits mixed with peppered steak, dusty earth and raw meat aromas. I was more than a little surprised at how northern Rhône like this seemed; you don’t find that smoked meat quality paired with fresh acidity in many southern Rhône Syrahs. The wine is medium to full bodied with concentrated fruit, noticeable acidity, a softy, mouth filling texture, beautiful balance and long, smoky finish. This still has plenty of substance and while the tannins are starting to resolve, should have another solid 10+ years of superb drinking.