Bargylus, Vin Rouge 2015

The Saadé family planted 12 hectares (30 acres) of vines in the first decade of this century (first vintage 2006), at 6,250 wire-trained vines per hectare. Yields average just 30 hl/ha (c 1.7 ton/acre) in this dry climate. They use no pesticides or herbicides. Soils are limestone, clay and flint, and cereal crops are planted between rows to improve aeration of the soil and to bolster organic matter. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes are treated to the usual classed-growth standards such as being picked into small crates and double sorted.

"The Syrian Vineyard making the world's most dangerous wine". Made despite great adversity with the help of outstanding consultant Stephane Derenencourt, the Saadé brothers, Sandro and Karim, farm this fantastic vineyard 900m above sea level with shingle and limestone terroirs. Situated just near the port of Latakia (once known as Laodicea) and near what was the ancient city of Antioch, this is home to some of the most ancient vineyards in the world, producing for over 3000 years.