‘96 Fontodi Case Via Syrah-
Cork came out clean with about 1/4 wine stain up the cork. If you handed me this blind I would have guessed a classic N.Rhone Syrah with Brett, meat and funk. Almost set it wrote it off as the Brett became stronger during the first glass… move forward 4 hours… the Brett and bottle funk has completely faded, with a strong mint note mixed with pepper, meat, bacon, violets mixed with this really pretty floral lift.
The wine shows no signs of age on the glass, no bricking and bright. The entry is smooth with blueberry, great acid and persistent, tannins are resolved and I’m salivating after finishing a sip. Black pepper creeps up at the end with crushed rocks and that little whisp of mint to cool the mouth.
Bought on release and I’m glad I cellared it, if you own some, slow ‘o’ for a while. Drink now and for the next couple of years.