Domaine des Tourelles

This Red is a blend of dry farmed syrah, cabernet sauvignon, cinsault, and carignan from 20 year old vines planted at 1050 metres in elevation in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. There's a lovely combination of ripe, sun-soaked fruit and savoury complexity, with retained freshness thanks to the high elevation. Dried brambles and figs are accented by peppery spice, baked clay, leather, and gamey notes that will appeal to fans of Southern Rhône reds. An impressive, distinct wine, and an absolute steal at this price.

(2020) A blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Syrah, 15% Carignan and 5% Cinsault, this is fermented with native yeasts and made in concrete vats, unflitered and unfined to give what Tourelles describe as "A true expression of the Bekaa Valley." There's an honest, rustic authenicity about it, plum and cherry fruit, damp earth, a suggestion of briar wood and herbs. In the mouth the sweet ripeness of the fruit is striking, a big and bountiful plateful of black cherries and summer berries, but those firm tannins, good juicy acids and a bit of serious, sinewy structure give it some food-friendly heft and probably fair longevity too. Watch the video for more information and food-matching ideas. Quite widely available.