“A blend of fruit from the lieux-dits Les Bessards, Le Sabot and L’Ermite, this 2019 draws together a picture of the Hermitage hill in all its grandeur and complexity. At its center, it’s bright and juicy, filled with ripe berry flavors; around the edges, it’s stony and firm, with herbal notes that accent its cool reserve. It shows some vanilla and spice tones from its time in oak (a mix of new and barrels) but the fruit handles it well, absorbing it into a warm, rich density of flavor. This should age well for 20 years or more.”

“The 2020 Gigondas Les Reinages is also terrific and, I suspect, will be another outstanding wine. Perfumed raspberry and cherry fruits as well as subtle flower and sappy garrigue notes define the bouquet, and it’s medium-bodied on the palate, with good acidity and a balanced, elegant texture. It should drink nicely right out of the gate.”

“The 2020 Crozes Hermitage les Launes Blanc features modest, composed aromas of melon, pear and citrus. It's a mellow, medium-bodied effort that hits the right buttons, delivering ample weight and richness on the palate without sacrificing length on the finish.”

“An impressive showing, the 2019 Saint Joseph Sainte-Épine features aromas and flavors of blueberries and black cherries, plus hints of violets, peppery spice and black olives. It's full-bodied, but it carries its labeled 15% alcohol well, with no sign at all of alcoholic warmth, while supple tannins give a welcome sense of gentle structure and add a softly dusty feel to the long finish. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.”

“Marked by hints of toasty oak on the nose, the 2019 Saint-Joseph François de Tournon backs those up with notes of red cherries. It's medium to full-bodied, silky and fresh, with a long, faintly herbal finish. It should drink well for up to a decade.”