Maker: Nathaniel Rose, Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA
Style: Blend of Syrah (94%) and Viognier (4%).
Place of origin: Chris Glenn Vineyard, Lake Michigan Shore AVA, Michigan, USA
Vintage: 2013
ABV: 12.8%
Sample bottle provided by winemaker Nathaniel Rose, via Marshall Wehr.
Appearance: Dark red.
Nose: Leather, wild raspberry, purple mulberry, blackberry, tarragon.
Palate: Raspberry, mace, tangerine.
Finish: Tart, but with grip.
Parting words: This is the final bottle from Nathaniel Rose that will make an appearance in our 2012 project on aged Michigan wines from the 2012 and 2013 vintages. Thanks again to Nathaniel for the bottle.
Blending Syrah and Viognier may seem strange at first, but it’s actually been done in the Northern Rhone valley for quite some time. It stabilizes the color of the wine through the magic of chemistry, and it has an impact on the taste and smell of it too, of course. Nobody online seems to agree on that impact, though. Based on this wine, I would say it adds an aromatic fruitiness that balances out the classic robust spice of Syrah.
I would not put this on a level with Nathaniel’s other reds, like the Left and Right Bank blends, or his double barrel Syrah. It’s not as complex as those. Nevertheless, it’s a very good wine, and worth seeking out. It’s held up very well, too. Nathaniel Rose Syrah LaBlonde 2013 is recommended!
Sipology 