M. Chapoutier La Mordorée 2025

M. Chapoutier, founded in 1808 at Tain-l'Hermitage, farms biodynamically across the Rhone Valley. La Mordoree is a Syrah from Cote Rotie, the steep northern Rhone appellation whose name, the roasted slope, refers to the strong sun the terraced hillside catches. The vineyards sit on granite and schist soils, which give Syrah here its characteristic mineral grip and savoury, peppery aromatics rather than the jammier profile of warmer regions. Cooler northern Rhone conditions keep the fruit fresh and the structure firm. The wine is aged eighteen months in barrel, where measured oak exposure and slow oxygen integration build the tannin and add a fine spice frame without burying the terroir. The colour is deep, dark purple. The nose shows ripe blackberry and plum lifted by black pepper, olive, violet and a smoky note. The palate is full and savoury, with firm, fine tannin, good freshness and a long, peppery, mineral finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanting young vintages. It is a classic match for roasted and grilled red meats and game.