“Delas's 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Haute Pierre is a blend of Grenache and Syrah vinified in concrete and aged in foudre. Remarkably, I still detected hints of cedar on the nose, joined by notes of leather, clove and raspberries. It's full-bodied and reasonably supple, except for some woody tannins. While it came across as a bit disjointed, in a few years this should come together nicely.”

“Notes of smoke and spice mingle into honeysuckle and lychee in this perfumed, fruity white. The palate is opulent and creamy, packed with white peach, lychee and apricot flavors. It is freshened by a lingering mineral crush and hints of fresh herb and leaf. Enjoy this complex, hedonistic wine now through 2030.”

“A wide spectrum of exotic fruit and flower aromas pulls you into this concentrated and finely nuanced Condrieu, which has a ravishing apricot flavor on the mid-palate, then a very long finish that’s simultaneously creamy and filigree. I love the touch of saltiness that lingers like an afterglow. From a 1.98 hectare plot just north of the tiny Chateau Grillet appellation. Drink or hold.”

“Very striking nose of toasted almonds and pistachio nuts that’s still full of youthful energy, even if the stone-fruit character (mostly mirabelle) is discreet. So much underplayed power and beautiful candied-orange character on the ample yet precisely delineated palate. Then comes the stony finish that doesn’t want to stop. 100% from the marsanne grape. Drink or hold.”

“A big step up, the 2020 Crozes-Hermitage Le Clos comes from the Les Saviots lieu-dit and is brought up mostly in used barrels. Dense purple-hued, with a gorgeous bouquet of blackberry and blueberry fruits as well as ground pepper, crushed stone, graphite, and chocolate, you'd be excused for thinking this was a top Hermitage. Medium to full-bodied, balanced, and concentrated, it's a gorgeous Crozes that will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for a decade.”