Ferraton Crozes-Hermitage 'Calendes' 2016, Northern Rhone Valley, France

We love a deal on the wonderful Syrah's from France's Northern Rhone Valley. A lot of times, they can be astronomical in price, but this is a great value from one of France's most important biodynamic producers.

92 Points, Wine Enthusiast: Inviting notes of smoke and burnt sugar lend complexity to cassis and blackberry flavors in this wine. It's sumptuously ripe but anchored by a thrilling mineral mid-palate. An immediately approachable but elegant Syrah, it offers fine, persistent tannins and a spicy, peppery finish. 

An excellent pairing with grilled meat and vegetables, like beef, chicken, or eggplant — especially with coriander, cumin, or a five-spice blend — it will bring out the plum, black pepper, and ripe raspberry flavors. 

For the last 70 years, Ferraton & Fils, founded in 1946, has been producing top-quality wines in Tain l’Hermitage, the sweet spot of the Rhône Valley. Going back more than 20 years, Ferraton was one of the early practitioners of biodynamic farming in the region and is in constant search of true terroir expression.