LES MURETIERS RESERVE SYRAH 2023

He's done it again; Importer Steve Bennet MW has an uncanny knack for finding wines perfectly suited to the New Zealand market, at prices that belie the quality of juice in the bottle.

Les Muretiers is a superbly packaged Syrah that showcases why the Langeudoc-Roussillon region in Southern France is becoming a hotspot for value packed wines. We just love the review from Paul Tudor MW below…

Produced by the highly acclaimed LGI wines, who were awarded Best French Still Wine Producer at the Berliner Wein Trophy for three years in a row. Originally the brainchild of Alain Grignon and UK Master of Wine Mark Lynton, who had a vision of making affordable, modern French wines designed specifically for the international market. Now under the supervision of oenologist Xavier Roger with wines tailor-made to appeal to Kiwi tastes through local importer Steve Bennett, Master of Wine.

This Syrah is selected from rocky terroirs located between the Montagne Noire (Black Mountains) over four departments along the Languedoc-Roussillon. Les Muretiers translates to ‘the wall workers’ in acknowledgement of the ancient stone walls that surround many of the vineyards. This is a perfect location, with hot sunny days to fully ripen the grapes. 

The grapes are destemmed and divided into two parcels. A small part passes the process of thermovinification and maceration which enhances the aromatic profile of the Syrah. Most of the grapes are fermented on their skins for about three weeks, extracting great character and richness. 

5 Stars & 95/100 Paul Tudor MW (2023 Vintage)
"Every now and then you come across a relatively low-priced wine that stops you in your tracks, you know: “That cannot be that price?” or “Perhaps they mislabelled this?” This is one of those once in a blue-moon wines, an amazing expression of one of the great red varieties and it isn’t eye wateringly expensive.

Deep purple, youthful in colour, the nose boasts rich fruit aromas, dark cherry, raspberry, with pastille and chocolate undertones. Medium weight in terms of the palate, but there is concentration and generosity all the way through, juicy and savoury at the same time, with firm but elegant tannins on the finish. Fruity yet structured wine that will work in nearly every drinking situation. Gold medal wine at a ridiculously low price."

5 Stars & 93/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, June 2025 (2023 Vintage)
"This is fabulously fruited and perfumed on the nose, showing Black Doris plum, rich floral, clove, and toasted almond characters. The succulent palate delivers excellent weight and plump mouthfeel, framed by plush texture and beautifully melded tannins, making it harmonious and delectably appealing. At its best: now to 2029."

Cameron Douglas MS, June 2025 (2023 Vintage)
"An enticing bouquet of dark red berry fruits and granite-like mineral seams. Scents of blackcurrant and clove, dusty peppercorn and baking spices, then dark plum and violet. Dry, fruity, varietal and new with flavours of dark berries that reflect the bouquet, fine tannins and acidity for freshness and grip. Balanced and well made in a drink now expression."