Château La Dournie, Elise, St-Chinian, 2014

Véronique Etienne’s 45ha domain includes 20ha of schist slopes. This dark red-black, schist-grown wine is a blend of 90% Syrah with the balance from Grenache, and it's given a year in oak then another year in tank before release. Syrah sings out from the aromatic profile; the citrus blossom and thyme flower style so typical of moderately warm but not hot Languedoc sites. On the palate there is plenty of fresh black fruit in a similarly pure and lifted style, with a pungent, holly-leaf finish.