Brothers at War Single Vineyard Eden Valley Syrah The fruit for this single-vineyard Syrah comes from 80+-year-old vines from the Wardlaws Eden Valley Pendee Farm vineyard. This small parcel of Eden Valley Syrah is handpicked and the fruit is mostly destemmed, though not crushed, into a one-tonne open-top fermenter with 30% whole bunch clusters. The fruit is kept cool for five days before being allowed to warm up naturally and start the fermentation process. The wine is then hand plunged twice daily for three weeks before being pressed to French oak puncheons (40% new) and aged on lees for 18 months before bottling without fining or filtration.

Jean-Luc Colombo has forged an international reputation as one of the most visionary and imaginative winemakers in Frances Rhône Valley and especially in Cornas. Les Terres Brûlées (The Burnt Earths) is the prettilest expression of Syrah from the Cornas appellation. From a mixture of 20 to 60 year old vines this wine is a subtle blend I fulfill each year from different plots. The tannins, powerful but elegant, are softened by a well-managed maturation of two years in oak. The wine of intense ruby colour has aromas of raspberry, liquorice, coffee and a long spicy finish. Linger over this wine with a rib roast of beef and dauphinoise potatoes. Will open in 2 to 3 years, but may be cellared for 15 years. Certified Organic. 100% Syrah.

Gabriel Meffre winery was established in 1936. It has since won the repuation as one of the best producers in the southern Rhone. Their Ventoux vineyard is located mainly on the sediment left by the seas of the Tertiary period at the base of the limestone massif of Ventoux. The wine is made from grenache and syrah, each component vinified separately before blending, then maturation in vats for 10 months. The result is a wine with a deep red robe and a purple hue. The nose is enticing with hints of ripe red fruits and spices, and the mouth is elegant and round with a spicy finish. This Ventoux, with its spiciness and fruit expression, will pair nicely with charcuterie, a vegetable curry or lamb colombo.