Mayu, Titon Vineyard Syrah Gran Reserva, Elqui Valley, Chile 2017

Benchmark good-value New World cool-climate Syrah, made by talented winemaker Giorgio Flessati. The Titon Vineyard in Chile's Elqui Valley sits at 350m altitude, is planted on rocky soils with decomposed granite, and enjoys foggy mornings for much of the year, helping to preserve freshness and aromatics in the grapes. This is very much Syrah rather than Shiraz, northern Rhône-like in style, with deep red plummy fruit, a hint of iodine, some savoury meatiness and vanilla spice from the oak ageing. Shows just how good cool-climate Chile can be – and at a great mix six price.