2008 Jean-Louis Denois "Les Oliviers" Syrah Vin de Pays D'Oc

I realize that many wine specialists and critics poop-poop the assertion of such concepts as “travel sickness” or “bottling sickness,” but after forty years in this business and experiencing many of these maladies, both as a retailer and as a winemaker, I can tell you that they do exist. I have seen these conditions occur way too many times to tell you that it is not true. It is why many producers hold back their productions for up to six to nine months after bottling. When this puppy first arrived back in February, it was a perfect example of what a long trip across the Atlantic does to the character and flavors of a wine; it was disjointed, withholding, funky, exhibiting odd characteristics, and having no finish. It was “travel sick!” Try it now. It is an amazing wine, one worthy of “Jim’s Gems.” Medium-deep ruby in color, the nose explodes with white pepper to anise spiciness and red plums, while in the mouth these characteristics carry over to a wine that is well-integrated, complex, and structured, with focused fruit, and a long, warm finish. Again, an amazing wine at an amazingly low price, to which Anderson has informed me that this Gem will be our house red for the month and beyond. 13% ABV (Jim Barr)

Wanted to like this, but it took a day to settle down and even then was just ok. At first very funky, vegetal, a little rubber, too young (slight hint of spritz) and off balance. On day two more fruit and more balanced. There's better, even at this price, look to Central CA for every day syrahs.