Soooo many others came close, but especially if we're going with "memorable" and not just "best", these are my current top 3:
Paul Lato "Cinematique" Larner Vineyard 2010- so unbelievably complex with savory, meaty funk and also rich with deep purple fruit and precise, surprisingly high acidity- sweet bacon fat, blackberry crumble, musty library, violet florals- a totally complete syrah, a kaleidoscope of flavors in total harmony
The Standish, Barossa Valley (namesake cuveé with the brown label) 2018- like the Aussie version of the Paul Lato, less immediately expressive as it was a lot earlier in its lifespan, but so deep and intoxicating, wafting scents of supernaturally black fruits, tarry/smoky shades, super addictive mocha and somehow also room for that Rhone-like cracked pepper and roasted meaty umami. Powdery textured and a finish that stuck around forever with zero heat or excessive ripeness. Only a touch better than the Lamella and Schubert Theorem cuveés I tried by him
Christophe Billon, Côte-Rôtie "Les Elotins" 2015- this was actually my first Côte-Rôtie a number of years ago (although not at all my first Northern Rhone syrah) and to me it still might be the best, even being fairly humbly priced compared to others from the area. Extremely rare balance of very ripe fruit and a crystalline, elegant profile. Precise, super fresh blueberry, hoisin sauce, baking spices, cedar, olive tapenade and a twinge of that French Funk. Featherlight structurally, extremely concentrated and dense flavor-wise. A truly memorable bottle.
For 15 years, Athan Zafirov has traveled the vineyards around the world and worked with some of the greatest chefs including Francois Duc and Alan Brown.
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