Production
Grapes for Payen come from a unique area of 3.4 hectares within the Espinal vineyards 29 km from the ocean. Planted in 1997 and blessed with near perfect growing conditions, the soil is a balanced mix of clay giving excellent root depth, gravel & limestone for good drainage. The bunches and grapes are hand selected, with only the finest going into this flagship Syrah. A proportion of whole berry fruit is fermented in small French barrels with daily punch downs, the rest in small stainless steel tanks. The wine then spends 18 months in French oak, 90% new.
Tasting notes
The energetic nose has notes of petrichor and wild blueberries. The palate has notes of shoe polish, tar, minerals, star anise and a further gravelly energy. Ultimately a huge but very lifted Syrah Cab Fran combo. Tabali's most essential expression of Limari Syrah.
Food match
Roast lamb, roast rib of beef.
