Domaine Viret Syrah "Energie" 2019

This is an outstanding wine.  As you will see in the long, but worthwhile read below, there are some funky philosophies that are a part of the winemaking technique and culture of this winery.  I have often found that the story of this type of wine is far more entertaining than the wine itself.  More often, the "natural" wines are austere and rustic at best.  A seasoned poet turned Master Sommelier is needed to wrap their head around the wine and develop a snake-oil salesman's pitch to make normal people actually want to try it.  This is not one of "those" wines.  I was beyond pleasantly surprised at the character of this Syrah.  It is pure, balanced and reminiscent of a Northern Rhone Syrah from a warm vintage.  It is worth mentioning that while this wine could be labeled Cotes du Rhone, the winemaker has chosen to use the lesser designation of Vin de France.  The winemaker believes that the CDR designation would do a disservice to the uniqueness of this wine.  I agree.  This followin