This singular expression of pure Syrah exudes a stunning interplay of power, beauty, and elegance. Immediate sappy and mineral-laden aromas weave through black plum, boysenberry, violets, lavender, and fresh vanilla, layered with savory herbs and a hint of meatiness. The palate is textured and silky, with tannins that are well integrated, framing touches of mushroom and iodine. A satin-like texture develops with aeration, demonstrating that this wine is built to age gracefully well through 2040+. 

A compelling meld of fresh black-plum, dark-red-cherry, black-olive and lavender aromas fill the glass. The palate is straightforward and black-fruited, with supple tannins that supporting layers of licorice, cocoa and dried herbs. This should make for a wonderful accompaniment to a juicy cheeseburger or dry-rubbed barbecue.

A serious Côtes du Rhône. Full forest berry fruit with delicate spice, bitter chocolate and licorice notes. Impressive depth and some real structure on the full-bodied palate. I love the way the generous, rather fine tannins carry the long, spicy and fresh finish. A cuvée based on 60% grenache, mostly from the Vaucluse region, with about 30% syrah from the Gard and small amounts of mourvèdre and other traditional grape varieties. Drink or hold.

“Reminding me of a classy Hermitage, the deep purple-hued 2020 Crozes-Hermitage Domaine Des Grands Chemins offers up a brilliant perfume of redcurrants, blackberries, saddle leather, lavender, and bouquet garni. This carries to a medium to full-bodied, richly textured, balanced Crozes that has velvety tannins, some classic northern Rhône gamey, peppery nuances, and a great finish. It needs a decant if drinking any time soon, but the tannins are supple and ripe, and this beauty will have a broad drink window. I wouldn't be surprised to see it still going strong at age 20. Bravo.”

“The 2020 Saint Joseph François De Tournon is on another level, with gorgeous intensity in its red and black fruits, smoky, meaty, sweaty saddle leathery nuances, obvious minerality, and beautiful finish. This complex, nuanced Saint Joseph picks up more violet and granite-like minerality with time in the glass and shines on all accounts. It's the finest vintage of this cuvée I've tasted, and this should be snatched up by savvy readers. It would easily pass undetected in a lineup of top Hermitage. ”