Élan-Bise Syrah 2018

Tasting the sumptuous Élan-Bise, you’d think it was top flight Rhône. First vintage, it was pure Syrah, but in 2018 Mark discovered parcels of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan that really shone. He decided they'd make a terrific blend. Mark is chief winemaker at Le Chai, our cellar in Castillon, and he has an enviable network of grower contacts in the Languedoc Roussillon. He knows exactly where the best grapes are to be found. Following a long, slow fermentation, he racked this red into French oak barrels for 18 months for extra complexity. Tony Laithwaite’s original challenge to Mark was to make the finest Languedoc red, no holes barred. We think he's succeeded hands down. Open early and decant. Perfect with roast meats or a rich casserole.