Jean-Luc Jamet Cotes du Rhone L'Enclave 2021

L'Enclave is, in the most literal sense, a Côtes-du-Rhône surrounded by grand terroir. Named for the fact that these vines are nearly surrounded by parcels classified as Côte-Rôtie, the wine comes from the Champrond and Bonnivières plots, which sit within the Côte-Rôtie appellation itself in the Côte Brune — geology and exposure shared with some of the Northern Rhône's most coveted addresses, but bottled under the more modest Côtes-du-Rhône designation due to the technicalities of vine age or parcel classification rather than any deficiency of terroir. Made with 100% Syrah and partially aged in wood, it's bottled early to accent the crunchy, spicy red fruit character — Jean-Luc is proud this can last up to ten years, testament to the quality of the source material. 

The result is, as more than one taster has noted, essentially a miniature Côte-Rôtie. Deep red purple in hue, with expressive aromas of black cherry, flint, violet and smoke — the palate plush with tender tannins and rich black fruit flavours, wonderfully enjoyable now, continuing to evolve over the next decade. Smoky and savoury, with cassis, blackberry, plums, violet and spices on the nose; the mouth pungent and full of grip, with substantial acidity that gives the wine very good depth — a mini Côte-Rôtie, and superb value. Floating aromas of violets, soaked black cherries, flint, smoke and a lovely savouriness throughout, with a palate that is tender yet driven and structured, full of voluptuous fruit, finishing clean and refreshing.