Domaine Naturaliste Rachis Syrah 2021

Dialling up a notch from the Discovery, the Rachis is a serious Syrah. Named after the anatomy of a grape, the rachis is the stem that runs from the cane down to the grape cluster. With Rhônal qualities and finesse, this a very different style of wine and winemaking approach to the Discovery. Savoury and dense fruit jumps out of the glass, a ferrous line weaves through brambly black fruits, dried herbs, black brined olive, bay leaf and dark chocolate-covered liquorice bullets. Vibrant and energetic in the mouth, it hums along with juicy acid and fine, layered tannins covering the breadth of the palate. Oak is present yet artfully handled, and while this is drinking beautifully now, I look forward to seeing it in 5-7 years or more. Open this, decant it and be sure to enjoy it with a meal. My choice? A charred lamb rack, nice and pink on the inside. I kept coming back to this wine long after my first taste.