Kamaka Syrah de Seyssuel 2022 Graeme & Julie Bott | Rhône

Graeme and Julie Bott 's Kamaka Syrah Terroir de Seyssuel cuvée has established itself as one of the finest signatures of non-AOP Syrah in the Northern Rhône Valley - for now. Facing the dizzying slopes of Côte Rôtie, the little-known terroir of Seyssuel extends its centuries-old vineyards, dating back to Roman times, whose rich history and renown were somewhat erased by the phylloxera epidemic in the early 20th century. On these soils of gneiss and micaschist, Domaine Bott acquired several plots of Syrah and Viognier in 2016, and have since been working to have the Seyssuel terroir recognized as a fully-fledged AOP. And what better figurehead than their magnificent Kamaka Syrah Terroir de Seyssuel cuvée, named "Jus de cailloux" in Maori, in reference to Graeme's New Zealand origins.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: Domaine Bott 's Kamaka Terroir Syrah de Seyssuel cuvée illustrates all the richness and potential of these plots in the Collines Rhodaniennes PGI. Refined even in its youth, this wine underwent non-extractive winemaking and moderate barrel ageing to limit the influence of wood and preserve the balance between tannin and structure. The result is quite simply exceptional: this Syrah effortlessly rises to the level of great Côte-Rôtie wines.

The nose reveals a bouquet with bright notes of violet, cooked raspberry and cocoa. More complex hints of leather and black pepper at the back of the glass suggest ageing potential of several years.

On the palate, the wine delivers a silky body, carried by nicely refined, well-melted tannins. There are hints of sun-kissed red fruit and the peppery character typical of Syrah. The overall impression is greedy and juicy, finishing with a lovely mineral sapidity.