Washington Syrah vs. Gigondas

As the Tour de France headed South after visiting Burgundy they passed by the Northern Rhone.  Stage 8 departed Macon and finished in St. Etienne.  Thomas De Gendt won the stage covering 200 km and seven categorized climbs for nearly 4,000 metres of elevation gain.

This was also the day that Julian Alaphilipe regained the overall race leader's yellow jersey.

In honor of De Gendt's long range attack, this final installment of the Tour de France challenge features a Washington Syrah taking on Gigondas.

2017 Succession Syrah vs. 2016 Domaine la Bouissiere Gigondas


Tale of the Tape

Succession 2017 Syrah

100% Syrah from the Defiance Vineyard on the South shore of Lake Chelan.

Provided as a sample by the winery.  Available at retail for $42.00.












2016 Domaine La Bouissiere Gigondas

Estate grown grapes from 52 year old vines

66% Grenache, and 34% Syrah

Purchased from Esquin for $44.99.











Round One.  First opening.

The Succession Luchador swaggers in to the ring with some serious brawn and bravado.  The nose is showing dark plum, blue fruit and light earthy notes followed by cocoa and menthol spices.  The palate is dark and bold with notes of dark fruit, white pepper and dry cocoa powder.

The French challenger from Gigondas is floating around the ring, circling the powerful Washington opponent looking for an opening to launch a counter attack.  The nose features earthy aromas of medium red fruit and candle wax.  The palate shows tart red fruit, dried flowers and a strong tannin fueled finish.

This match looks like it is going to be a clash of contrasting styles.  Succession takes the first round with bruising style.

Round Two. One hour later.

Succession is building muscle on top of muscle!  The nose is showing dark plum. light violet and white pepper notes.  The palate follows suit with dark fruit, cocoa and cracked pepper followed by a potent barrel spice finish.

Domaine La Bouissiere isn't backing down, using its more athletic approach to confound the stronger luchador from Washington.  The nose is showing more savory character with dark fruit and savory, earthy notes.  The palate shows tart red fruit, leather, white pepper and a dry tannin finish.

Score another round for the Succession luchador as it dominated the French challenger's counter attacking style.

Round Three.  One day later.

The only hope for Gigondas is to go for a submission hold.  Let's see what unfolds in the final round.

Succession is showing significant stamina with a nose of dark fruit, coffee, cocoa powder, earthy white pepper and violets.  The palate features dark fruit, mole' and menthol spices with a slightly tart finish.

The luchador from Gigondas is mounting a furious attack, but it may be too late.  The nose is showing dark berries, leather and white pepper backed by earth tones.  The palate is similar with tart light pepper notes and a tannin driven finish that is still going strong.

The French challenger showed plenty of heart, but it was not enough to overcome the strength of the Succession luchador.  Succession takes the final around and the match with a convincing 3-0 victory.

Wrap up and overall observations

Both of these wines showed class and staying power over the course of the match.  Each wine demonstrated a distinct style.

The Succession Syrah was rich and luxurious while the Gigondas showed more earthy and tannin character.

I would definitely recommend both of these wines.