Bott Kamaka Syrah Terroir de Seyssuel 2022

Bott Kamaka is the work of Graeme and Julie Bott, who met in the Rhône working for Stéphane Ogier and now make their own wines. This Syrah comes from Seyssuel, on the opposite bank of the river to Côte-Rôtie, an old Roman vineyard area replanted in recent decades. The hillsides here are schist and granite, hard ancient rock that drains fast and forces the vines deep, giving wines a dark, mineral intensity. The name Kamaka means rock in Māori, a nod to Graeme's New Zealand roots. The fruit is fermented with a portion of whole bunches for aromatic lift and structure, then aged around 15 months in oak barrels that frame the wine without dominating. At 12.5 percent alcohol it is built on freshness rather than weight. It shows blackberry and ripe plum, cracked black pepper, violet and a smoky, stony undertone, with firm but fine tannins and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted ahead, with grilled lamb, peppered beef or roast game.