I like Grenache....I mean, I REALLY like Grenache! So when we went to Gigondas in the Grenache-rich Southern Rhone Valley, I wasn't even thinking about the Syrah-driven wines in the North. However, our trip to Chateau St. Cosme and tour with self-proclaimed 'vigneron-negociant' Louis Barruol reminded me just how good Syrah can be.

Louis tasted us on all of his wines but none compared to his special vineyard selection from St. Joseph. This 100% old vine (planted in the 1800's) Syrah  from the Northern Rhone was a deep eggplant purple with a fringe of crimson red that no light could pass through. Aromas of dried lavender and blueberry consumed the nose. It was like accidentally stumbling into a Burlesque show; dark, dusty and a little taboo...devilishly sexy with a touch of class! Needless to say, St. Joseph has become one of my top picks for regions to explore.