Élan-Bise Syrah 2020

Tasting the sumptuous Élan-Bise, you’d think it was top-flight Rhône. First vintage, it was pure Syrah, but in 2018 and 2020 Mark discovered parcels of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan that really shone. Mark has an enviable network of grower contacts in the Languedoc. He keeps a watchful eye throughout the season and knows exactly where the best grapes are to be found. At the Béziers cellar, where he works his magic, he gave the wine a long, slow fermentation, then racked it into French oak barrels for 18 months to lend layers of spicy oak complexity. His aim each vintage is to make the finest Languedoc red. We think he's succeeded hands down with this Gold-medal winner. Open early and decant. Perfect with roast meats or a rich casserole.