Georges Vernay Syrah Fleurs de Mai 2017

Drink until 2033. Decant up to 2 hours.

This 100% Syrah is an almost-opaque, inky purple with aromas of smoky crushed black berries and cherries, black pepper, vanilla, and floral oils. Sweet blueberry and roasted black fruit compote swirl in the silky tannins and nuances of black tea, game, green pepper, and spices. The palate is smooth and generous with a hint of toasted wood from the 7 months spent in French oak barrels. The finish is smoky and long with building spices, fennel, and vanilla on a deliciously floral backdrop.

This Syrah is big and bold and best enjoyed with big and bold food. Serve chilled at 18°C and pair with grilled, stewed or roasted red meat or large game, rosemary crusted lamb, shepherd's pie, sausage, and potatoes.

In addition to the estate in Collines Rhodaniennes, Domaine Georges Vernay maintains vineyards in the I.G.P. of Saint-Joseph and Condrieu. Fleurs de Mai means “Flowers of May” and was chosen as the name of this wine as a nod to an orchard of Mayflower peaches that used to be grown where the Syrah vines are planted today.

The vines are over 50 years old and planted on a plateau that is adjacent to Condrieu. The grapes are hand-harvested when they are fully mature, then loaded and transported to the cellar for selection and fermentation.

The I.G.P. Collines Rhodaniennes is formerly known as Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes. The designation was changed in 2009.