Domaine de L'Écu 'Nobis' Côtes du Rhône 2024

In 2009, Fred Niger was a lawyer who decided he'd rather make wine. So he bought Domaine de l'Ecu from Guy Bossard, who had started the domaine in the early 70s after coming home from the army and reading about organics instead of whatever he was supposed to be doing. Guy had farmed biodynamically since 1988, and Fred kept all that after taking over.

This wine is Fred's Rhône project. Syrah from a tiny vineyard near Châteauneuf-du-Pape, fermented and aged ten months in stainless steel. I keep coming back to this wine vintage after vintage because it's just so delicious. Always on point. 

It's all cherry and blackberry, violet, forest floor, that peppery thing. On the palate it's cured meat, crushed peppercorn, eucalyptus, a smoky core. Good acidity, silky tannins. And a freshness that feels strange coming from the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Syrah on point.