SYRAH WILD FERMENTATION 2015 - VRINIOTIS WINERY

We know you waited for this us as much as we did. So, the time has come. Syrah Wild Fermentation of Vriniotis Winery is finally here. The diamond of the Euboic vineyard, in an extremely limited number of bottles, in the excellent year of 2015, came into our hands and if you are quick it will come to yours too.

The philosophy of Kostas Vriniotis is well known. Strictly organic farming, low yields per hectare and obsession with perfection! This particular Syrah has been vinified with native yeasts expressing the unique terroir of the area.

After harvesting the grapes from the privately owned vineyard at Petri, it spontaneously ferments into open-air tanks and then the ”nectar” goes into 225-liter French oak barrels for 12 months. Maturation process is continued for another 24 months in the bottle. The resulting wine is for educated palates since it has a tremendous condensation and a structure that bruises bones!

If you can wait for 5-6 years, it will unfold its complexity, furthermore. On the other hand, we couldn’t resist and we opened it for a bbq night!

Deep magenta, almost black, in the glass.

Nose of moderate (+) aromatic intensity with dense black fruit such as sour cherry, blueberry and blackcurrant. Herbal and floral character is expressed by eucalyptus, mint, violet and lavender. Green pepper, vanilla, butter, cedar, leather and cigar complement the extremely complex bouquet.

In the palate, it is full bodied, with medium (+) acidity and aromatic intensity, while the tannins show that this Syrah has a long way to go. The fruit here is very intense, almost chewy, dominated by sour cherry, blackberry and blueberry. Black pepper, paprika and vanilla notes blend harmoniously with animal nuances such as bacon and leather. Lavender, eucalyptus and green tea give extra complexity points. Aftertaste? Endless ...