Wine 6 min

Northern Rhône / Ageability

On Syrah, the art of buying wine you cannot yet drink, and the difference between old and tired

The wines of the best appellations in the Northern Rhône are stunning examples of the finest Syrah in the world. Buying these wines is an exercise in faith. You buy them not to drink with dinner tonight but to put away for five to ten years.

Early in my career, I had many experiences when people would pour me supposedly amazing wines and I would think to myself — this smells like red wine, I don't get it. Making wine in this style is generally about eschewing fruit for structure. You aren't focused on the primary aromatics as much as the acidity, tannins and balance of the wine.

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