Lorient 2021 Saint-Joseph

From a half-hectare of Syrah vines near Mauves in the Saint-Joseph appellation, on granite and alluvial gravel from the massif central. Vines were planted by Laure and Dimitri in 2014 with massale selections from Lilian Berillon. Leaves are removed, and due to increasing heat in the area, they are using more whole clusters than in previous vintages. The wine is fermented in a small stainless tank and moved to 228 and 400l barrels for 8 months of aging before being bottled just before the Summer. This is a vibrant red with notes of crushed wild berries, and plenty of freshness and acidity, with a touch of grit and earthiness. A soulful Syrah, less about concentration or dark purple tones, more about herbs, mint and earth. It's a high energy wine, ideal for drinking now, partly from the approach of Laure and Dimitri and complimented by the fresh conditions of the 2021 vintage.