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+. 

Remarkably cherryish – an unusual aromatic marker in this vintage. The palate is really quite tight, taut, with marked acidity, herbal aromatics and textural grip. The freshness and intensity are palpable. This has great clarity, brightness and serious energy. Very grippy, and the acidity is sharp. No oak is used during maturation. HVE-certified in the vineyard.

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.

The 2022 Côtes-du-Rhône “Saint Esprit” bottling from Maison Delas is made from a cépages of sixty percent syrah and forty percent grenache, with the wine coming in at fourteen percent alcohol. The wine’s bouquet features scents of fruitcake, black raspberries, grilled venison, distant bonfire, pepper, garrigue and a nice base of stony soil tones. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very nicely balanced for the vintage, with a good core of fruit and soil inflection, moderate tannins and a long, complex and focused finish. This is a very good bottle of Côtes-du- Rhône. 2024-2032.

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.