Tasting note: 'Shows seductive violet, crushed plum and spice notes that mingle on the palate, grounded by balsamic and olive tapenade. The dry finish, with power that builds, is marked with a dusting of white pepper.' WS
Expert Rating
94/100 James Suckling
'An aromatic nose with notes of dark cherries, black pepper, smoke, grilled meat and tobacco leaf. It’s fresh and vibrant with a medium body. Good texture and finely balanced on the palate. Vivid with crunchy fruits at the center and a well-rounded character at the edges. 100% syrah, precise and energetic. Focused finish with peppery notes. Drink or hold.'
About the winery
Domaine Graeme & Julie Bott are quickly becoming one of the Northern Rhône’s most promising producers. Although they only released their first vintage in 2016, they make handcrafted wines which are gaining a loyal following. Their story is one of hardwork, romance and a stroke of luck. Graeme is from New Zealand while Julie is a native of the Northern Rhône; they met working at Domaine Ogier, one of the most prominent Côte-Rôtie producers. It was through the purchase of their first house that they discovered its impeccably placed garden was on the hillside of Vérin - prime Condrieu AOC - and so their domaine was born. They now own seven hectares of vines spread across the Côte Rôtie, Condieu, St Joseph and little-known Seyssuel. Graeme and Julie are boutique producers through and through: they started by making their wines using a neighbour's garage but have now taken up residence in their own cellar, tucked just beneath La Mouline in Côte-Rôtie. Their winemaking talents are clear. Their silky Vin de Pays Syrah, First Flight, is a brilliant introduction to their superb range and as a result it has quickly become one of Lay & Wheeler’s best-sellers. Each of their wines are nuanced and complex examples of their appellation and are well-worth stocking up on.
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