Winemaker Eric Monnin has finally released his massively anticipated 2007 vintage Syrah, months after we ran out of the 2005 vintage. Already it has grabbed one of only 37 Gold Medals at Syrah du Monde, a competition which recognises the world’s best wines from the Syrah grape. The ‘05 clinched Silver Medal at the 2008 awards.

Anyone notice how we have managed to skip a vintage? Speaking to Eric at this years London Wine Show, he explained that 2005 was the first year for Dignité and like any first vintage there was a big risk involved. If it works out, great. People will buy, enjoy their purchase and call for the next vintage. If it doesn’t work out, you’re left with a load of bad or mediocre wine that has been a huge drain on time and financial resources.

Eighty percent of the Dignité Syrah blend spends 12 months in three year old oak and 10% in two year old oak, but the big hold up is the other 10% which sits in new Allier oak barrels for 21 months. As a result, Eric didn’t really know how good the wine was going to be until after the 2006 harvest had past.

Thankfully the 2005 turned out to be excellent, so it was an easy decision to give the ‘07 vintage the go-ahead.

“We were delighted to win silver with our first vintage of Dignité 2005 at last year’s Syrah du Monde so this gold win confirms we’re definitely on the right track.”

Eric Monnin, Winemaker.

Over the course of 3 days, international experts tasted 387 wines from 27 countries, commenting that ‘diversity and quality are the watchwords for the 2010 winners’. For more information check out the Syrah du Monde website. Click here to view Dignité Syrah 2007.