From an east-facing (hence, cooler) site, Cuilleron's 2017 C?te R?tie Lieu Dit Bonnivieres is 100% Syrah, matured in 50% new oak. It features herbal notes, hints of black tea and crisp red berry fruit, and it's medium-bodied, with a taut, wiry feel, silky tannins and a long, crisp finish. I suspect this may age well past my predicted drinking window. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent results.

The 2015 C?te R?tie Lieu Dit Bonnivieres comes from a higher elevation parcel in the C?te Brune side of the appellation, and sees the standard fermentation and aging in barrel. Perfumed, lifted and slightly volatile, with lots of blueberry and raspberry fruits, flowers and incense aromatics, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, good purity of fruit and sweet tannin. The elevated volatile acidity gives me pause, but I suspect it will show better from bottle.