2023 Guillaume Clusel (Clusel Roch), Serine Rouge, VdF

This is a fun example of northern Rhone Syrah that can be enjoyed in its youth. The young and ambitious Guillaume Clusel is at the helm of this remarkable property known for producing some of the best wines in Côte Rôtie at reasonable prices. The only problem is that his Cote Rotie wines need time to resolve themselves in the cellar and are really built for the medium to long term. However, this VdF Rouge, Serine is made using whole clusters from young vines of Serine (a low-yielding, heirloom clone of Syrah) just outside of the Côte Rôtie appellation and is meant to be enjoyed immediately and over the near to medium term. I love drinking this with a chill and enjoying it with burgers - this Syrah's peppery, smoky nature with fresh juicy fruit flavors is perfect with grilled cheeseburgers.