Syrah "Duende", Bodegas Cauzon 2020 (Andalucia, Spain)

Duende is Ramon Saavedra's 100% Syrah cuvée from organically farmed, high altitude vineyards in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Granada. The winemaking is similar to the other Cauzon wines, with full destemming, a short maceration time, and vinification in stainless steel. The result, however, is quite a bit darker than either the Tempranillo or the Garnacha, with black cherry, earth, and game on the nose and lots of rusticity on the palate. The profile suggests a natural affinity to lamb or hearty, charred vegetable dishes.