Domaine de Bargylus Vin Rouge Grand Vin de Syrie – 2013

According to Jancis Roibinson MW in her World Atlas of Wine, Domaine de Bargylus makes “the finest wine in the Eastern Mediterranean”! It is probably the most dangerous wine in the world to produce given Syria’s tragic recent history of war, natural disaster and financial difficulties, yet somehow the Saade brothers manage to create this remarkable and ageworthy red which has an unmistakeable personality of the East!

This wine was grown high up at 900mts altitude in the mountains looking over the port of Latakia in northeast Syria. It is a blend of 60% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot which was matured for 14 months in French oak barrels (one third of which are new each year). From the relatively cool and fresh 2013 vintage, it is a mix of the exotic, spicy and aromatic flavours of the Orient together with the structure, finesse and elegance of the northern Rhone. Truly unique! 14.5% alc. Drink 2023-2027

“Luscious deep, dark, rich garnet. Sumptuous, spicy, rich nose. Really exciting blend of round ripeness and the leathery, slithery quality of pure Syrah. Lovely now – no tannins in evidence, and the alcohol is not evident either. This manages to be both fresh and reminiscent of dry curry spices. For a subtle, fully mature wine that must have been a nightmare to make and transport, this is definitely Good Value.” 17.5/20pts Jancis Robinson MW