Syrah, 'Allone Habashan', Yarden 2017

The 2017 Syrah (Yarden) was aged for 18 months in 40% new French oak and comes in at 14.5% alcohol. This is not badly priced, but it has a straightforward and modern feel to it.

On opening, it's elegant, fresh and just a little creamy from the wood. The Syrah nuances are controlled rather than overt. This is not your gamey and beefy Syrah style. This is a nicely balanced food wine that is ready now, but it will hold for several years.