Luca Syrah 2021
Luca Syrah 2021 is a dry, full-bodied red from Syrah (Mendoza, Argentina), in the full, structured reds style. Tannins are firm and acidity moderate; oak influence is some. Good with lamb, beef stew, steak, venison. Drink now or within 10 years (to about 2031). No need to decant. Critic score 93/100 (merchant-reported).
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yalumba Samuel's Collection Barossa Shiraz 2023 Yalumba · South Australia | £21.25 | |||
| Zambartas Koukouvagia Shiraz Mataro 2024 | £21.00 | |||
| Glaetzer, 'Wallace' 2021 Ben Glaetzer · South Australia | £21.75 | |||
| Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2022 Craggy Range · New Zealand | £21.88 |
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Luca is the name of Laura Catena’s son and represents the new generation of Argentina’s most famous winemaking family. Laura’s father Nicolas put Argentina on the map for top quality Malbec that is renowned all over the world and sold in the best wine bars and shops. Today Laura is taking the family business in a new direction with this label which uses the finest fruit selected from specific vineyards in Mendoza to create delicious and accessible wines. The Catenas might be best known for their Malbecs, but this stunning Syrah showcases the country’s potential for other red grape varieites. The fruit is carefully harvested at optimum ripeness and then vinified according to Laura’ stringent winemaking standards. After a period of ageing in oak the wine is then bottled and allowed to rest before it is released to market. Dark and stormy in character, this powerful Syrah reminds of some superb examples from France’s Rhone Valley. On the nose there are ample notes of cassis, black olive, and bitter chocolate along with more delicate undertones of fresh mint, forest floor, and spice. This is a great bottle to enjoy now alongside hearty red meats or to keep in the cellar for a few more years.