The otherworldly Syrah Trouver l’Arene 2015 is made with 80% Syrah, 7% Petite Sirah and 7% Mourvèdre, and the rest Viognier and Grenache. As with the Grenache in 2015, it saw some whole clusters in fermentation and spent 22 months in almost equal parts new and used French oak. Dull purple in color and loaded with sensational notes of smoky black fruit, spicy herbs, liquid flowers, exotic spices and lavender, this incredible beauty hits the palate with astonishing density and depth, yet remains surprisingly light and elegant, with no apparent weight or heaviness. . It has sweet tannins, incredible purity of fruit and a finish that lasts for almost a minute. It's an incredible effort that reminds me of a great vintage of Guigal's Côte Rôtie La Mouline (the 2010? Not much different than the 2003 at the beginning of its life) with its exotic, floral and playful character. There have been so many monumental Syrahs in this direction that it's hard to say where this beauty will end up when ripe, but I'm betting it's among the best handful of Syrahs ever made by Manfred.