Northern Rhone

• • 93

  2020 Herve Souhaut Saint Joseph Sainte Epine

  Saint Joseph, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $145. 00

  Bottle

  $1740.00 Dozen

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  Closure: Cork

  Hervé Souhaut is one of a kind, producing some of the most lithe, perfumed, and exuberant wines from the Rhone. He and his wife converted the cellars of her parents' centuries-old hunting lodge into the winery and now draw on four parcels of vines totaling 8.5 acres in Saint Joseph, as well as 20 additional acres of Vin de Pays vineyards on the plateau, planted primarily to Gamay, Roussanne and Viognier. The AOC wines are labeled under Souhaut's name, while the Vin de Pays cuvées are named Domaine Romaneaux-Destezet, in homage to the name of her parents' estate combined with Béatrice's family name.

  The methods of Jules Chauvet are followed here, which is to say grapes are hand-harvested and then the whole bunches undergo a pre-fermentation maceration at low temperature. Fermentation follows using natural yeasts in wooden and concrete tanks – the wine is then aged on fine lees in seasoned oak casks for eight to twelve months. Following that there is just a teeny dose of sulfur at bottling, which is done without filtration.

  The iconic Saint-Joseph Sainte Épine hails from vines over 100 years old and is the jewel in the crown at this estate. It's a wine of contemplation and inspiration displaying Syrah’s nobility and virility alongside myriad exquisite fragrances and the superfine texture that are the hand of the maker. Something very rare indeed and will repay careful cellaring handsomely.

  Other Reviews....
  Opaque magenta. Smoke- and mineral-accented aromas of cherry pit, cassis, olive and cured meat, along with a suave floral top note. Youthfully chewy and focused on the palate, offering bitter cherry and dark berry and licorice flavors that turn sweeter as the wine opens up. The mineral note comes back steadily on the penetrating finish, which features youthfully gripping tannins and a resonating cherry note. Drink 2025-2033.
  93 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

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• • 92

  2019 J.L. Chave Selection Hermitage Farconnet

  Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $185. 00

  Bottle

  $2220.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 15%

  Closure: Cork

  Domaine Jean-Louis Chave represents one of the longest examples of vinous lineage in the world, with the family making wines in the area since 1481. Now under the guidance of Gerard Chave and his son Jean-Louis, the pair draws on five centuries of expertise to craft each of their wines. While known for the enviable collection of prime plots on the hill of Hermitage, their other main skill is in precise blending each year to best express the region and vintage. The backbone of their red Hermitage is sourced from the steep, granite slope of the Les Bessards cru, and is essential for making the finest red each year. Likewise, the base for Chave’s heroic Hermitage Blanc is the plot of century-old Marsanne vines in their Péléat monopole, which provides rich and intense fruit without heaviness.

  J.L. Chave Selection is the exclusive negociant label of Jean-Louis Chave, and represents a more accessible way to experience the wines of the Chave family. Mon Coeur Cotes-du-Rhone is a blend of excellent plots in Vinsobres, Visan, Buisson, and Estargues, while Silene Crozes-Hermitage is 50% estate Syrah and 50% purchased, and the white Crozes-Hermitage Sybele a blend of 60% Marsanne and 40% Roussane. As with all things Chave, quality is paramount even at the entry level.

  Other Reviews....
  The 2019 Hermitage Farconnet comes from a mix of Péléat, Les Doignières, and Les Greffieux, and it was raised in used barrels. It has a classic Northern Rhône bouquet of ripe red and blackberry fruit as well as saddle leather, forest floor, ground pepper, and spring flowers. Needing a short decant, it's medium to full-bodied, has a supple, elegant mouthfeel, those classic Hermitage ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It's already drinking nicely yet has a solid 10-12 years of longevity ahead of it. Drink 2023 - 2035.
  92 points
  Jeb Dunnuck

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• • 94
  • 93

  • Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch

  2017 M. Chapoutier Les Arenes Cornas

  Cornas, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $76. 99

  Bottle

  $923.88 Dozen

  Minimum 6 bottles

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  Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2024-2030)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  Totally opaque midnight black in colour with a dark red hue. Black raspberry, liquorice and black cherry aromas make a strong showing out of the glass followed by some scorched earth, dried herb and peppered meat notes. Fleshy black raspberry and liquorice fruits carry good richness and medium body weight across the palate with some black cherry, scorched earth and peppered dried meat elements lying underneath. Slightly chewy yet civilised tannins. The long refined black fruited finish laced with peppered earth characters.
  Drink over the next 5-6 years.
  Alc. 14%

  Other Reviews….
  The 2017 Cornas Les Arênes is more rounded, with plenty of black raspberry, currants, spice, crushed flowers, pepper, and gamey aromas and flavors. Rounded, supple, and sexy on the palate, with terrific depth and richness, it packs plenty of depth, structure, and length. Drink 2022-2032.
  93 Points
  JebDunnuck.com

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• • 99

  2015 M. Chapoutier Ermitage le Pavillon

  Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $699. 00

  Bottle

  $8388.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews….
  Surely a 100-point wine in nearly any other context, the 2015 Ermitage le Pavillon is a terrific wine. Full-bodied and intense, it offers tremendous notes of crushed stone, mocha and ripe plum given shape and texture by powerful yet ripe tannins. The finish is nearly endless, oozing with essence of granite and balanced by bright acids. Wow. Drink 2028-2050.
  99+ points
  Joe Czerwinski – Robert Parkers The Wine Advocate
  
  Another perfect wine, the 2015 Ermitage Le Pavillon comes from the Bessards lieu-dit on Hermitage, which is pure granite soils. I've said it before, but will say it again, this is unquestionably the finest, most singular vineyard for Syrah in the world. Cassis, graphite, smoked herbs, liquid rocks and violet aromas give way to a huge, concentrated, opulent and off-the-charts beauty that just hints at its ultimate potential. I wouldn’t think about opening bottles for at least a decade, after which it will keep for 4-5 decades. Drink 2026-2076.
  100 points
  Jeb Dunnuck

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• • 94
  • 93

  • Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
  • Biodynamic

  2018 M.Chapoutier Les Granilites Saint-Joseph

  Saint Joseph, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $56. 99

  Bottle

  $683.88 Dozen

  Minimum 6 bottles

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  Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2024-2029)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  Dense black as night core with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Elevated dark to black cherry and liquorice fruits draw the nose in with some dried meat, scorched earth, leather and peppered herb notes ensuing. Rich black cherry and liquorice fruits carry medium body weight and an elegant feel with some smoked meat, dried herb, leather and peppered earth elements lending complexity though the back half. Chewy mouth feel with a sturdy graphite like tannin structure. Concludes medium to long and savoury.
  Drink over the next 4-5 years.
  Alc. 14%

  Other Reviews……
  As always, the 2018 Saint-Joseph Les Granilites shows more crushed-stone minerality than the Deschants bottling. It's also deeper and richer, with blueberries and raspberries that show an extra dimension of freshness and precision. It's medium to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long finish that bodes well for the future. Drink 2022-2035.
  92-94 Points
  Joe Czerwinski – Robert Parkers Wine Advocate

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  • 92
  • 93
  • 94

  2020 Domaine Marc Sorrel Hermitage

  Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $330. 00

  Bottle

  $3960.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Chiefly (90%) from Les Plantiers—a little-known lieu-dit toward the western base of the slope—with about 10% Les Bessards, Sorrel's 2020 Hermitage looks like its customary supple, silky self, with masses of raspberry fruit, ample weight and richness and a long, elegant finish. It should drink well soon after release and evolve well for more than a decade. Drink 2023 - 2035.
  92-95 points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Jan 2022)

  Inky violet color. Juicy red and blue fruit preserve aromas are complemented by suave floral and exotic spice flourishes. Broad and fleshy in the mouth, offering sappy cherry, blueberry, fruitcake, candied violet and salty olive flavors and a suggestion of star anise. Round, even tannins build steadily through the impressively long finish, which strongly echoes the floral and spice notes. Drink 2029-2039.
  95 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

  Looking first at the classic 2020 Hermitage, it sports a dense purple color as well as a terrific nose of ripe red and black fruits, leather, sappy flowers, and loamy earth. It's medium to full-bodied, wonderfully balanced, has ripe tannins, and a great finish. It has a firm edge under its fruit and is going to benefit from 4-6 years of bottle age. A brilliant bottle of wine, it should be long-lived. Drink after 2027.
  94 points
  Jeb Dunnuck

  Blackcurrant pastille and violet scents; a medium-bodied fresh and juicy style. Not terribly tannic and with low acidity but nonetheless it has a sense of balance. An elegant style. From 60-year-old vines in Les Plantiers (90%) and Les Bessards (10%), all whole-bunch fermented. Drink 2022 - 2030.
  93 points
  Matt Walls - Decanter

  90% Les Plantiers, 10% Les Bessards. Cask sample tasted at the domaine.
  Crimson with a light rim. More elegance than power, the fruit floral and lifted, the tannins fine grained and overriding freshness, the alcohol well retained. Good depth all the same and plenty of drive on the finish. Should be accessible relatively early. Drink 2025-2038.
  17.5/20 points
  James Lawther MW - jancisrobinson.com

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• • 97
  • 96
  • 99

  2020 Domaine Marc Sorrel Hermitage Le Greal

  Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $599. 00

  Bottle

  $7188.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 15%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The 2020 Hermitage Le Greal looks like another terrific success. A blend of 90% Le Méal and 10% Les Greffieux that includes a small proportion of white grapes, it delivers waves of vibrant raspberry fruit, embedded with nuances of black olive and salted licorice. Full-bodied and intense, weighing in at around 15.5% alcohol, it's a bold, velvety-textured beauty that must be tasted to be believed. Drink 2025 - 2040.
  96-98 points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Jan 2022)

  Glass-staining violet. Assertively perfumed, spice-accented dark berry, kirsch, floral and smoky mineral scents show superb delineation and an earthy suggestion of olive paste. Sappy and penetrating on the palate, offering energetic boysenberry, blackberry, cherry-cola, fruitcake and violet pastille flavors that deepen and become spicier with aeration. Smoothly blends richness and energy and finishes extremely long and pliant, with youthfully gripping tannins and superb, floral- and mineral-driven persistence.
  97-98 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

  Even better, the 2020 Hermitage Le Gréal showed brilliantly, and this powerful, concentrated Hermitage is going to be one for the cellar. Revealing a dense purple hue as well as great aromatics of blackberries, new saddle leather, truffle, roasted herbs, and peppered meat, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, mouth-filling texture, building tannins, and a great finish. It's going to take a decade to hit maturity, but this brilliant Hermitage will have 30 years of longevity. Bravo! Drink 2032 - 2050.
  99 points
  Jeb Dunnuck

  90% Le Méal, 10% Les Greffieux. Syrah with 5% Marsanne co-planted. Cask sample tasted at the domaine.
  Beautifully expressive with the fruit at perfect pitch. Blueberry and blackcurrant notes with the addition of clove and spice. Palate dense and profound with elegance and power combined. Tannins clearly present but fine grained. Gourmand fruit with a slight glow on the finish but freshness all the same. Drink 2028-2050.
  18.5/20 points
  James Lawther MW - jancisrobinson.com

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• • 96

  2015 Pierre Jean Villa Fongeant Cote Rotie

  Cote Rotie, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

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  Cellar: 6 - 8 Years (2026-2028)

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Cork

  One hundred percent Syrah. Opens with magnificent colour saturation, impenetrable inky black core and a deep dark red black hue. Powerful aromatics of black cherry, liquorice and blackberry laced with smoky oak soar from the glass. Dried meat, black olive and blackpepper notes ensue. Rich, dense and chewy black cherry, liquorice and blackberry fruits flood the mouth underscored by gently smoked vanillin cedar, some meatiness and blackpepper. Opulent yet muscular mouthfeel with robust, firmly built tannins providing ample structure. Powerful and concentrated it finishes long and firm.
  Cellar 6-8 years plus
  Alc. 13%

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• • 93
  • 92
  • 92

  2017 Domaine Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie Ampodium

  Cote Rotie, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $170. 00

  Bottle

  $2040.00 Dozen

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  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Hints of peppery spice and licorice add complexity to the blueberry and cassis-scented nose of the 2017 Cote Rotie Ampodium. It's medium to full-bodied, with silky but firm tannins and a long, dusty finish. It should be approachable in a couple of years but drink gracefully for a decade and a half. Drink 2021 - 2035.
  92 points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Dec 2019)

  Deep, brilliant violet. A mineral-tinged bouquet evokes ripe black and blue fruits, peony and licorice, and a peppery flourish builds as the wine opens up. Shows impressive energy on the palate, offering juicy boysenberry and cherry compote flavors complemented by suggestions of spicecake and candied licorice. Sweet and seamless in texture, finishing on a lingering floral note, with impressive energy and smooth, harmonious tannins. Drink 2023 - 2031.
  93 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

  Beautifully perfumed, with loads of black raspberries, gamey meats, truffle, and exotic spice, the 2017 Côte Rôtie Ampodium is medium to full-bodied, with a layered textured, ripe tannins, and a great finish. This brilliant Côte Rôtie will benefit from short-term cellaring and cruise for a decade. Drink 2020 - 2030.
  92 points
  Jeb Dunnuck

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• • 95
  • 95
  • 97

  2019 Domaine Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie Cote Blonde

  Cote Rotie, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $399. 00

  Bottle

  $4788.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Is it really fair when a wine rated 95+? is a bit of disappointment? Yet I confess that's how I felt upon tasting Rostaing's 2019 Cote Rotie la Cote Blonde—perhaps a victim of my own overly high expectations? It was a bit closed on the nose, only to explode with vibrant red raspberries and cherries in the mouth. Full-bodied, concentrated and plush, with a long, mocha-tinged finish, it did begin to show a bit more aromatic range and complexity as it sat in the glass, so perhaps I'm being too tough on it. Drink 2025 - 2040.
  95+? points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Jan 2022)

  An assertively perfumed bouquet displays an array of ripe red and blue fruit preserve, floral and spice qualities, along with suggestions of licorice, smoky bacon fat and mineral notes. Effortlessly marries depth and energy and offers sweet cherry, crème de mûre and candied violet flavors sharpened by building mineral and spice flourishes. Shows noteworthy clarity and mineral cut on a long, penetrating finish that echoes the floral and mineral notes with real authority.
  95-97 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

  The 2019 Côte Rôtie Côte Blonde is as seamless and silky as they come and is just a quintessential Côte Rôtie. Black raspberries, flowers, ground pepper, and subtle meatiness all emerge from this beauty, and it’s full-bodied, has remarkable tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. It certainly offers pleasure today, but smart money will hide bottles for 4-5 years. It will knock your socks off over the following two decades. Drink 2026 - 2047.
  97 points
  Jeb Dunnuck

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• • 92
  • 93
  • 93

  2019 Domaine Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie Ampodium

  Cote Rotie, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $180. 00

  Bottle

  $2160.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  An opulent, rich vintage of this cuvée, the 2019 Cote Rotie Ampodium still offers up nicely detailed, intricate floral notes layered atop raspberries and mocha. Medium to full-bodied, it's velvety and lush, with plenty of length on the finish. It should drink well for more than a decade. Drink 2022 - 2032.
  93 points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Jan 2022)

  Primary black/blue fruit, violet, allspice and olive qualities on the highly perfumed nose, where a smoky mineral nuance adds energetic lift. Sweet, deep-pitched blueberry, cherry and fruitcake flavors spread out steadily in the mouth, picking up spiciness and a touch of licorice on the back half. Finishes with sharp clarity and silky tannins that provide closing shape and grip.
  92-94 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

  Moving to the 2019s from bottle, the 2019 Côte Rôtie Ampodium offers lots of peppery herbs, flowers, bacon fat, and sweet black raspberry fruit in a medium to full-bodied, meaty, straight-up classic Côte Rôtie style. It’s well worth seeking out as a multi-bottle purchase, as it will offer loads of pleasure over the coming 15 years. Drink 2022 - 2037.
  93 points
  Jeb Dunnuck

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• • 92

  2018 Domaine Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie Ampodium

  Cote Rotie, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $175. 00

  Bottle

  $2100.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Mostly blended but still in barrel, the 2018 Cote Rotie Ampodium is a terrific introduction to the Côte Rôties of Rostaing. Mulberries and licorice appear on the nose, followed by savory notes of espresso and black olives on the medium to full-bodied palate. It's silky, fine and complex, with a long, softly dusty finish. I also tasted a richer, more structured lot from la Viallière that will be blended in, along with a terrific-looking barrel from Leyat that will add floral, raspberry and mocha notes.
  92-94 points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Dec 2019)

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• • 97

  2018 Domaine Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie Cote Blonde

  Cote Rotie, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $399. 00

  Bottle

  $4788.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The most tannic of the "big three" bottlings this year, the 2018 Cote Rotie la Cote Blonde features elegant hints of mixed herbs entwined around bold boysenberry fruit. It's medium to full-bodied, with plentiful fine-grained tannins that firm up on the long finish. Embryonic, but oh so promising, it should blossom in another five years or so.
  97-99 points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Dec 2019)

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• • 96

  2018 Domaine Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie La Landonne

  Cote Rotie, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $360. 00

  Bottle

  $4320.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  For the 2018 Cote Rotie la Landonne, Pierre Rostaing put together a blend from two barrels. Wow. Toast and mocha notes frame raspberries and blueberries in this medium to full-bodied offering. It's simultaneously rich, silky and concentrated. Packed with flavor and depth, it looks as if it will be approachable within a couple of years yet be capable of evolving for a couple of decades.
  96-98 points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Dec 2019)

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• • 94
  • 97

  2016 Domaine Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie La Landonne

  Cote Rotie, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $350. 00

  Bottle

  $4200.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Subtle notes of baking spices frame hints of tea, olives and raspberries on the nose of the 2016 Cote Rotie la Landonne. A paragon of elegance, it's medium to full-bodied, but silky from start to lingering finish. It's a wine that's pretty much guaranteed to make even the steeliest curmudgeon smile, as it's so bright, ephemeral and luscious. It's not the rich, ripe wine the 2015 is, but it's suave, complex and long.
  97 points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate #239 (Nov 2018)

  Brilliant violet. Ripe black and blue fruit, cherry cola, olive and a pungent floral note on the deeply perfumed nose; a peppery element adds complexity. Plush blackberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors display excellent clarity and take a sweeter turn with air. The supple, extremely persistent finish shows superb detail, and pliant tannins fold quickly into the sappy, strikingly persistent dark fruit.
  94-96 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

  The 2016 Côte Rôtie La Landonne is another brilliant wine that has textbook La Landonne notes of powerful, ripe black fruits, smoked meats, peppery herbs, tobacco, and beef blood. Full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, layered, and structured, it has the elegant, finesse style of the vintage front and center, yet is still a powerful, masculine, structured wine (which is this site). Give bottles 4-5 years of bottle age and it will cruise for two decades.
  96 points
  Jeb Dunnuck

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• • 97
  • 98
  • 96
  • 97

  2016 Domaine Jean Louis Chave L'Hermitage

  Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $699. 00

  Bottle

  $8388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews...
  Chave's 2016 Hermitage isn't the most intense or biggest wine this estate has produced, but it's a wonderfully charming, approachable effort from a vintage where quantities were halved by hail damage. Perfumed and spicy, with notes of black olives and black cherries, it's full-bodied, cuddly-soft and velvety in texture, with a long, harmonious finish. I expect it will firm up a little over the next year or two in bottle, but it's delicious now and should mature gracefully for at least 15 years, probably longer. Drink 2020 - 2035.
  96+ points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Dec 2019)

  Inky ruby. Highly precise, mineral-accented black/blue fruit, exotic spice, olive paste and incense aromas pick up hints of smokiness and candied licorice as the wine opens up. Seamless and penetrating on the palate, offering urgent blueberry, cherry preserve, spicecake and floral pastille flavors and a strong jolt of smoky minerality. Deepens steadily on the strikingly long, penetrating finish, which features smooth, interwoven tannins and resonating florality. Drink 2028 - 2038.
  97 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

  Very floral and just settling in with fresh red cherries and blackberries that have real freshness and definition. Great energy here. Very upright and elegantly focused. Dark chocolate and licorice to close. You feel the granite profoundly here. Try around 2028.
  98 points
  Nick Stock - JamesSuckling.com

  Moving to the Hermitage releases, this always comes primarily from the Les Bessards lieu-dit yet includes smaller amounts from a number of top vineyards on this magical hillside. The 2016 Hermitage is beautiful and shows the classic style of the vintage beautifully. Notes of crème de cassis, hints of blue fruits, violets, and wet stone all emerge from the glass, and it plays in the full-bodied end of the spectrum, with a pure, polished, seamless texture on the palate. It has plenty of tannins, yet they’re perfectly ripe, it has no hard edges, and a great finish. While aromatically it seems to come from a cooler year, it has the sweet fruit and opulence on the palate of a warmer year. It’s a beautiful wine. Give bottles 5-6 years and enjoy over the following 30 years or more. Drink 2020 - 2050.
  97 points
  Jeb Dunnuck

  Youthfully tight, this features a cloak of tarry-edged tannins draped over a core of well-steeped red and black currant and blackberry fruit. Long and driven, with notes of humus, black tea, singed alder and tobacco leaf streaming alongside the fruit from start to finish, this ends with a hint of smoldering cast iron. Reserved in style overall, showing serious latent length and cut, this should cruise and blossom in the cellar. Best from 2024 through 2040.
  97 points
  James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

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• • 94
  • 93

  2016 Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude

  Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $110. 00

  Bottle

  $1320.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Showing greater intensity and complexity than the regular bottling, the 2016 Crozes Hermitage la Guiraude also is made entirely whole cluster, yet it shows less prominent stemmy notes. Olive, roasted meat and cherry notes mingle easily on the nose and palate. This is medium to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, fine, elegant finish. It should drink well for over a decade.
  93 Points
  Joe Czerwinski - The Wine Advocate

  Opaque ruby. A complex, expansive bouquet evokes fresh dark berries, olive, potpourri and incense, and exotic spice and mineral notes build steadily with air. Sweet, focused and penetrating on the palate, offering intense, spice-tinged boysenberry, cherry preserve and violet pastille flavors braced by a core of juicy acidity. Blends concentration and energy with a deft hand and finishes with superb, gently tannic persistence.
  94 Points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

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• • 100

  1996 Chapoutier Ermitage l'Ermite

  Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $699. 00

  Bottle

  $8388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other reviews...As granite as granite gets, with an almost liquid rock character that’s almost impossible to find outside of Hermitage, the sensational 1996 Ermitage l'Ermite offers a complex array of ripe dark fruits, olive, game and graphite in a full-bodied, fresh, incredibly delineated and focused style. Massively concentrated, structured, and rich on the palate, yet as seamless as they come, enjoy this utterly heavenly wine over the coming two to three decades. Once the tasting was over and the drinking began, this was the first glass drained, and I couldn’t imagine a wine being better. 13.5% Alc./Vol. Drink 2005-2045.
  100 points [tasted 2016] - Jeb Dunnuck, www.robertparker.com

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• • 99

  2003 Chapoutier Le Meal Ermitage

  Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $499. 00

  Bottle

  $5988.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 15%

  Closure: Cork

  Other reviews.... The best bottle I've had, the still inky-purple 2003 Ermitage le Meal was firing on all cylinders on this occasion and was certainly a match for the 2009 and 2010. Tasting like a dry vintage port, yet with no sensation of heat or alcohol, it offers an insane bouquet of cassis, cracked pepper, violets, and mint that's literally overflowing the glass. Full-bodied, uber concentrated, voluptuous and still fresh and pure, it's a heavenly example of this killer terroir that will continue to knock your socks off for another 2-3 decades.
  99 points - [tasted 2016] Jeb Dunnuck, www.robertparker.com

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• • 100

  1995 Chapoutier Ermitage le Pavillon

  Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $699. 00

  Bottle

  $8388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other reviews... Still a youngster, the blockbuster 1995 Ermitage le Pavillon is a quintessential Hermitage in every way. Full-bodied, powerful, thick and unctuous, with tons of smoky, black, black fruits, tar, saddle leather and peppery herbs, this perfect wine is massively concentrated, rich and stacked, with masses of ripe tannin hiding under its still lively and fresh fruit. And while it’s a brilliant drink today, it’s still not yet fully mature. This tour de Force beauty will see its 50th birthday in fine form! 13.5% Alc./Vol. Drink 2005-2045.
  100 points [tasted 2016] - Jeb Dunnuck, www.robertparker.com

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• • 92
  • 90
  • 92
  • 92

  2018 Delas Domaine des Grands Chemins Crozes-Hermitage

  Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $69. 99

  Bottle

  $839.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Dark ruby. Spice-accented cherry, blackberry, licorice and candied flowers on the fragrant nose. Plush and expansive on the palate, offering juicy dark berry, bitter cherry, fruitcake and cracked pepper flavors and a sweetening hint of cola. Gently chewy tannins build slowly on the persistent finish, which echoes the cherry and spice notes. Drink 2024 - 2032.
  92 Points
  Josh Raynolds - Antonio Galloni's Vinous (December 2022)

  Marked by scents of clove, pepper and allspice, the 2018 Crozes Hermitage Domaine des Grands Chemins delivers ample spice-driven complexity layered over a base of cherry fruit. It's medium-bodied and silky, with deftly managed tannins that leave an impression of soft dustiness on the savory, olive-tinged finish. Drink 2021 - 2026.
  90 Points
  Joe Czerwinski - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (May 2021)

  Juicy and nicely detailed, with an engaging mix of plum and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors followed by licorice snap and bramble accents on the finish. Nice tarry streak keeps it grounded. Best from 2022 through 2027. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.
  92 Points
  James Molesworth - Wine Spectator (February 2021)

  Piercing flavors of cassis and blueberry are edged by granite, sweet spice and smoke in this full-bodied Syrah. Matured 14 months in a combination of tank and used Burgundian barrels, it's weighty and substantial on the palate yet vibrantly balanced and mineral too. The finish lingers on fine-grained, delicately gripping tannins. At peak now–2028.
  92 Points
  Anna Lee C. Iijima - Wine Enthusiast Magazine (May 2021)

  Delivery Information
• • 97
  • 99
  • 97

  2018 Delas Hermitage Lieu Dit Ligne de Crete Les Grandes Vignes

  Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $350. 00

  Bottle

  $4200.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 15.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Beginning with the 2015 vintage, Delas have introduced a new wine in the range from the hill of Hermitage made exclusively from the "Les Grandes Vignes" lieu-dit. Situated above L'Ermite and just east of the chapel at the peak of the Hermitage hillside at around 325m altitude, this south-facing plot forms an amphitheatre of semicircular vine terraces planted to Syrah. Winemaking is sensitive to retain the finesse and subtlety of this vineyard, with the grapes completely destemmed before being transferred by gravity to stainless steel vats for alcoholic fermentation. The wine is then transferred to barrel for malolactic fermentation and 20 months elevage. The barrels used are fine grained and no more than 30-40% are new. In a good year production is limited to only 1,800 to 2,000 bottles.

  Other Reviews....
  While I've had multiple looks at previous vintages, this is my first review of the 2018 Hermitage Ligne de Crete Les Grandes Vignes. Inky in hue, it boasts powerful, brooding aromas that include hints of hardwood charcoal, dark berries, licorice, crushed stone and pencil shavings. Full-bodied and almost painfully intense, it's a huge, mouthfilling wine that seems capable of aging up to three decades. Rich, supple and creamy in texture, yet possessing remarkable length and retronasal nuance, it has to rank up there with some of the Hermitage hill's classics from other, more renowned producers. It certainly deserves a seat at that table and may be a candidate for a perfect score in the future. Drink 2025 - 2050.
  99 points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (May 2021)

  The vibrancy of the elderberry aroma on the nose of this Hermitage masterpiece is breathtaking, the palate amazingly concentrated and incredibly focused. A wealth of super-fine tannins and intense, stony minerality are married to the pure berry fruit at the extremely long and precise finish. The fourth vintage of this wine and one of the high points of 2018 in the Rhone! Drink or hold.
  97 points
  JamesSuckling.com

  I was also able to taste a small vertical of the Hermitage Les Grandes Vignes from this estate for this report. Certainly the biggest, richest wine in the lineup, the 2018 Hermitage Les Grandes Vignes has a vivid purple hue as well as sensational notes of blueberries, cassis, violets, crushed stone, spring flowers, and camphor. It's full-bodied and flawlessly balanced, with ripe, silky tannins and an incredible finish. It's already offering pleasure today yet has another 25+ years of longevity ahead of it. Easily my favorite in the lineup, this incredible Hermitage is going to flirt with perfection at maturity. Drink 2022 - 2048.
  97+ points
  Jeb Dunnuck

  Delivery Information
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  • 92

  2019 Delas Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon

  Saint Joseph, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $79. 99

  Bottle

  $959.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Marked by hints of toasty oak on the nose, the 2019 Saint-Joseph Francois 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. Drink 2022 - 2030.
  90 points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Jan 2022)

  Powerfully scented aromas of fresh black/blue fruits, potpourri, licorice and smoked meat show excellent clarity and vibrant mineral lift. Concentrated boysenberry, cassis and violet pastille flavors are joined by a salty olive note that sneaks in as the wine opens up. Finishes smooth, focused and very long, with broad, fleshy tannins, a hint of smokiness and lingering florality.
  92-94 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

  The nose reminds me totally of my grandmother’s blackcurrant jelly. On the palate it is dry and linear, to the point of being slightly austere, but there’s so much minerality and a smoked-bacon note is neatly woven into this complex picture. Long, straight and precise finish. From granite soils in the southern part of this appellation. Drink or hold.
  93 points
  JamesSuckling.com

  Juicy and compact, with a solid core of dark plum and blackberry preserve flavors laced with licorice root and mocha hints. Long, dark finish. Ample toast here, so give it a touch of cellar time to loosen up. Best from 2022 through 2029.
  91 points
  James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

  A smooth, elegant style, not as overripe as many this year. Very fine tannins, but a bit drying on the finish. Acidity is marked. This certainly has class, very well made. There's attention to detail and finesse here. From various plots across the southern part of the appellation. Drinking Window 2022 - 2026.
  92 points
  Matt Walls - Decanter

  Delivery Information
• • 95
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  • 98

  2019 Delas Hermitage Les Bessards

  Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $330. 00

  Bottle

  $3960.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 15%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  While the 2019 Hermitage Les Bessards features classic notes of crushed stone and cassis on the nose and is nicely medium to full-bodied on the palate, it doesn't show the impressive richness and texture of either the 2018 or 2020. Black olives and dark berries are borne on a creamy palate, and the finish is silky and licorice tinged. Perhaps it was just at an awkward stage post-bottling, as it did seem to improve dramatically with air. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes. Drink 2023 - 2035.
  93+ points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Jan 2022)

  Ripe, spice-accented dark berry liqueur, candied violet, incense and licorice scents, along with hints of olive paste and smoky, exotic spices. Palate-staining boysenberry, cherry liqueur, floral pastille and fruitcake flavors show impressive depth and an undercurrent of smoky minerality. Expands steadily with air and finishes extremely long and minerally, with youthfully chewy tannins and outstanding, floral-driven persistence.
  95-97 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

  This is loaded with dark and winey plum sauce, blackberry paste and fig compote flavors that glide through over notes of warm earth, sweet tobacco and anise. A subtle singed alder hint infuses the finish, along with a flicker of violet, while the fruit takes an encore. This shows seriously hefty fruit matched with a terrific underpinning of terroir. For the cellar. Best from 2024 through 2039. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.
  97 points
  James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

  Remarkable tannic finesse is immediately apparent, teamed with great freshness, good acidity and deep concentration.There is a great sense of focus and direction and this has that Bessards salinity and straightness. Sweet fruit flavours combine with shoe polish, juniper, sloe, and damson juice. Incredible finesse and seamless character. 3,900 bottles made. Their oldest parcel of lieu-dit Les Bessards, fermented in concrete, then aged for 12 months in new and one-year-old barrels. Drinking Window 2026 - 2043.
  98 points
  Matt Walls - Decanter

  Delivery Information
• • 98

  2010 Delas Freres Cote Rotie la Landonne Magnum (1500ml)

  Cote Rotie, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $699. 00

  Bottle

  $8388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews….
  Up with some of the greatest Cote Roties out there is Delas's 2010 Cote Rotie la Landonne. Revealing an inky purple color as well as an incredible perfume of spring flowers, violets, black raspberries, graphite and Asian spice, it has drop-dead gorgeous purity, full-bodied richness and a seamless, layered texture that fails to completely cover the wine's underlying tannic grip. Made from 100% Syrah and aged 16 months in new French oak, hide bottles in the cellar for another 4-5 years and enjoy them over the following three decades. Drink: 2019 - 2050
  98 points
  Jeb Dunnuck – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

  
  Flirting with perfection, the 2010 Cote Rotie La Landonne offers up scents of black truffles, incense, smoked game, creosote, spring flowers and black fruits. Full-bodied with mouth-staining tannin as well as mouth-saturating extract and richness, this powerful, strikingly intense 2010 is young and unevolved, but it is filled with potential. Interestingly, Jacques Grange told me this cuvee was made from 100% destemmed fruit. Forget this wine for 4-5 years, and drink it over the following three decades.
  98+ points
  Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate

  Delivery Information
• • 93

  2014 Delas Les Launes Crozes-Hermitage

  Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $34. 99

  Bottle

  $419.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2021-2022)

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Totally opaque black dark red colour with a bright purple red hue. Aromas of blackberries infused with graphite and liquorice are overlaid by scorched earth characters with peppery end notes. Medium weight and elegant with a fairly supple mouthfeel the palate has flavours of dark cherries, subtle liquorice, dried meats and scorched earth with a dry rustic pepper infused finish. Finely grained yet structurally firm tannins. Aftertaste of liquorice, ripe dark cherries infused with dried meats, scorched earth and pepper.
  Cellar 5-6 years.
  Alc 12.5%

  Delivery Information
• 2010 Delas Freres Cote Rotie la Landonne

  Cote Rotie, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $299. 00

  Bottle

  $3588.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews….
  Up with some of the greatest Cote Roties out there is Delas's 2010 Cote Rotie la Landonne. Revealing an inky purple color as well as an incredible perfume of spring flowers, violets, black raspberries, graphite and Asian spice, it has drop-dead gorgeous purity, full-bodied richness and a seamless, layered texture that fails to completely cover the wine's underlying tannic grip. Made from 100% Syrah and aged 16 months in new French oak, hide bottles in the cellar for another 4-5 years and enjoy them over the following three decades. Drink: 2019 - 2050
  98 points
  Jeb Dunnuck – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

  
  Flirting with perfection, the 2010 Cote Rotie La Landonne offers up scents of black truffles, incense, smoked game, creosote, spring flowers and black fruits. Full-bodied with mouth-staining tannin as well as mouth-saturating extract and richness, this powerful, strikingly intense 2010 is young and unevolved, but it is filled with potential. Interestingly, Jacques Grange told me this cuvee was made from 100% destemmed fruit. Forget this wine for 4-5 years, and drink it over the following three decades.
  98+ points
  Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate

  Delivery Information
• 2010 Delas Freres Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes

  Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $160. 00

  Bottle

  $1920.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews….
  The 2010 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes is an incredible wine that's only eclipsed by the 2009 Domaine des Tourettes. The 2010 is inky colored, concentrated and full-bodied, yet also elegant and seamless, with terrific complexity in its blackcurrant, saddle leather, cured meats, toasted bread and graphite aromas and flavors. Given its overall purity and freshness, as well as sweet tannin, it's actually a beautiful drink even today, yet it should be at its finest from 2020-2040.
  96+ points
  Jeb Dunnuck – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  2010 Delas Domaine des Grands Chemins Croze-Hermitage

  Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $49. 99

  Bottle

  $599.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 4 - 5 Years (2020-2021)

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Cork

  Opaque dark red black colour with a dark red hue. Aromatics of ripe dark raspberries and liquorice are intermixed with scorched earth characters followed by meaty new leather characters and white pepper end notes. Medium weight the palate has a smoky flavour profile of dark cherries, liquorice and scorched earth with a meaty textural feel. Nuances of dried meats, leather and pepper follow on. Slightly dryish finish with finely grained well integrated tannins. Medium to long aftertaste of smoked meats, liquorice, scorched earth, leather and pepper.
  Drink over the next 4-5 years.
  Alc 13%

  Other Reviews….
  The dense purple-colored 2010 Crozes-Hermitage Domaine des Grands Chemins offers abundant meaty, smoky, tapenade, creme de cassis and bay leaf notes as well as exceptional intensity and full-bodied power. It can be drunk early in life or cellared for 10-15 years.
  91 points
  Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate

  Delivery Information
• 2010 Delas Freres Hermitage les Bessards

  Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $399. 00

  Bottle

  $4788.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews….
  Utterly profound in every way, the 2010 Hermitage les Bessards comes from the steepest, most rugged and "badass" part of Hermitage Hill, the broken granite soils of the les Bessards lieu-dit. Inky colored, thick and massively concentrated, it has sensational notes of liquid granite (the essence of granite!), smoked meats, scorched earth, currants and chocolate on the nose. Full-bodied, frighteningly concentrated, structured and backwards, it needs another decade of cellaring but will keep for half a century. Drink 2025-2060.
  100 points
  Jeb Dunnuck – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate
  
  The uber-impressive 2010 Hermitage Les Bessards ranks alongside the perfect 2009. The strikingly intense powdered stone/granite minerality is apparent in this wine of great intensity, prodigious, almost skyscraper-like texture, massive body and high tannins. It is only for true connoisseurs who have a cold cellar as well as the patience to wait a minimum of a decade for it to round into drinking form. Filled with potential, it is one of the single greatest Hermitages I have ever tasted. There is no hint of its 100% new oak aging!
  100 points
  Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate

  Delivery Information
• • 97

  2011 Delas Domaine des Tourettes Hermitage

  Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $125. 00

  Bottle

  $1500.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 6 - 8 Years (2022-2024)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Totally opaque black dark red colour with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Intense aromatics of black raspberry, liquorice and black cherry waft from the glass with underlying scorched earth, dried meats and spicy dried herb notes. Full bodied and very rich with ripe black raspberry, black cherry and liquorice flavours dominate over a backdrop of smoked dried meats, earth and spice. Excellent concentration and power. The finish is slightly chewy but the overall impression is one of opulence with the robust tannin structure largely concealed by the huge core of fruit. The wine finishes long with black raspberries, black cherries, liquorice, dried meats, scorched earth and spicy blackpepper.
  Cellar 6-8 years.
  Alc 13.5%

  Other Reviews….
  Starting off the 2011s, both of which were tasted out of bottle numerous times, the 2011 Hermitage Domaine de Tourettes is another blockbuster from this producer. Full-bodied, rich, layered and voluptuously textured, it offers up a beautiful bouquet of smoked herbs, leather, ground pepper and assorted meaty nuances that are grounded by a rich core of cassis and darker berry fruit. While a big wine, it has remarkable freshness and purity, serious mid-palate depth and silky tannin, all of which allow it to dish out loads of pleasure, even now. Enjoy it over the coming 15-20 years.
  95+ points
  Jeb Dunnuck – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  2010 Delas Seigneur de Maugiron Cote-Rotie

  Cote Rotie, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $135. 00

  Bottle

  $1620.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 6 - 8 Years (2022-2024)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Totally opaque black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Perfumed aromas of liquorice intermixed with some floral notes overlay roasted meats, black raspberry, scorched earth, smoky oak and spice. Rich and chewy but not heavy the palate is filled with flavours of black raspberries, liquorice and dried meats over some smoky oak, earth and spicy pepper. Quite meaty in its mouthfeel with firm, chewy but balanced tannins. Medium to long aftertaste of black raspberries, dried meats, liquorice, earth and spicy pepper.
  Cellar 6-8 years.
  Alc 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  2012 Delas Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon

  Saint Joseph, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $59. 99

  Bottle

  $719.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2021-2022)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  This is a great alternative to those looking for flavour without the weight in their Syrah. Opaque dark red black colour with a bright dark crimson red purple hue. Fragrant dark raspberry and liquorice aromas are overlaid by some dried meats, scorched earth, leather and blackpepper notes. Deliciously elegant and savoury with excellent length the medium weighted palate has flavours of dark raspberries intermixed with liquorice and earth followed by some incense infusions and pepper. Dry finish with very finely grained perfectly integrated tannins. Long savoury aftertaste of spicy dark raspberries, some meatiness, liquorice, earth and pepper.
  Drink over the next 5-6 years.
  Alc 13.5%

  Other Reviews….
  Just a step behind the Sainte Epine, the 2012 St Joseph Cuvee Francois de Tournon exhibits classic black raspberry, cassis, spiced meats and hints of licorice in its ripe, supple and beautifully pure profile. Aged 16 months in 30% new and 70% in 2- to 3-year-old barrels, it has medium to full-bodied richness, integrated acidity and building tannin. Drink it anytime over the coming decade. Drink 2014-2024.
  93 points
  Jeb Dunnuck – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

  Delivery Information
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  2015 Delas Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon

  Saint Joseph, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $69. 99

  Bottle

  $839.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The three St Joseph cuvées include the brooding and backward 2015 Saint Joseph Francois de Tournon, which will spend roughly 12 months in a mix of barrels and stainless steel. Its inky black/purple color is followed by Hermitage-like aromas and flavors of burning embers, crushed rocks, liquid blackberries and cassis. Full-bodied, deep, rich and layered, with bright acidity and fine tannin, it's a killer wine to buy by the case.
  93-95+ points
  Jeb Dunnuck - Wine Advocate #228 (Dec 2016)

  Dark, fresh plum fruits and cocoa powdery complexity. A plush, concentrated palate with plenty of dark plum and plum stone flavor. Drink now.
  92 points
  James Suckling

  Glass-staining ruby. High-pitched, mineral-accented aromas of blackberry and cherry are complemented by a sexy floral nuance and a hint of licorice. Sappy, incisive and appealingly sweet, offering vibrant black and blue fruit flavors and a jolt of peppery spices. Finishes sweet and impressively long, displaying smoky mineral and spice notes and slow-mounting tannins.
  91-93 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

  Delivery Information
• • 93
  • 94

  2015 Delas Saint-Joseph Saint-Epine

  Saint Joseph, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $140. 00

  Bottle

  $1680.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Less aromatic than the François de Tournon bottling, the 2015 Saint-Joseph Sainte-Epine is nonetheless a stellar effort that may be even longer lived. It shows great concentration, pouring across the palate in a single jolt of dark fruit, expanding and intensifying on the powerful finish. Black cherries and plums carry hints of molten rock, charcoal and other inorganic complexities, which are brightened by crisp acids and buffered by firm tannins. Drink 2020 - 2030.
  94+ points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Dec 2017)

  Bright violet color. Dark berries, potpourri, peppery spices and smoky minerals on the highly perfumed nose. Juicy, penetrating and alluringly sweet, offering densely packed blackberry, cherry compote and violet flavors that are lifted and sharpened by a spine of juicy acidity. Supple tannins add grip to the impressively persistent, mineral-laced finish, which strongly repeats the floral note. Drink 2022 - 2030.
  93 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous (April 2018)

  Even better, with more minerality and elegance, the blockbuster 2015 Saint Joseph Sainte Epine comes from this cool, windy, granite site located just outside of the small village of Saint-Jean-de-Muzols. Destemmed and brought up in 40% new oak, its vibrant purple color is followed by full-bodied notes of black raspberries, cassis, crushed rocks, and spring flowers. It’s concentrated, has awesome purity of fruit, and stays compact and tight on the palate. Hide bottles for 3-4 years. This wine should evolve for 10-15 years or more. Drink 2021 - 2036.
  95 points
  Jeb Dunnuck (Jan 2018)

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  2019 Delas Les Launes Crozes-Hermitage

  Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $46. 99

  Bottle

  $563.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 6 - 8 Years (2028-2030)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  Pitch black in colour with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Pronounced black cherry and liquorice aromas infused with graphite and pepper are trailed by subtle smoked meat and dried herb notes. Mid weighted flavours of dark to black cherries and red liquorice are supported by a graphite like spine with notions of dried meats, black olive, scorched earth and pepper also chiming in. Lively acidity is complimented by slightly chalky tannins and a pepper infused aftertaste that has a taut muscular feel.
  Cellar 6-8 years.
  Alc. 14%

  Delivery Information
• 2009 Delas Freres St Joseph Ste Epine

  Saint Joseph, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $95. 00

  Bottle

  $1140.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews….
  The blockbuster 2009 St.-Joseph Ste.-Epine exhibits an opaque purple color as well as a remarkable nose of black fruits, graphite, ink, incense and subtle barbecue smoke. Elegant yet massive and rich, with an unctuous texture and good underlying acidity (although less than in 2010), this deep, full-bodied, powerful 2009 should drink well for two decades or more.
  96 points
  Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate

  Delivery Information
• 2009 Delas Freres St Joseph Cuvee Francois de Tournon

  Saint Joseph, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $59. 99

  Bottle

  $719.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews….
  The 2009 St.-Joseph Francois de Tournon is showing even better than it did last year out of barrel. An inky/purple color is followed by notes of graphite, smoke, blackberries, cassis, road tar and truffles. With layers of fruit, an unctuous texture and tremendous purity and depth, this stunning effort is a great sleeper of this fabulous northern Rhone vintage. It should drink well for 10-15 years or longer.
  94 points
  Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate

  Delivery Information
• 2009 Delas Freres Hermitage les Bessards

  Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $399. 00

  Bottle

  $4788.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews….
  Another great negociant with significant vineyard holdings, and at the top of their game, is undeniably Delas, owned by the Louis Roederer/Deutz Champagne firm. Since they acquired Delas well over a decade ago, this firm has been under the management of Burgundian Jacques Grange, who has done an outstanding job producing a sensational array of wines. The 2009s appear to be their finest overall performances to date, and the 2010s are noteworthy successors in a more restrained, mineral dominated, crisper style. Jacques Grange did a fabulous job with his Cote Roties in both 2009 and 2010, the latter being a somewhat more challenging vintage in this appellation. The Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes (until the 2009 vintage, this offering was known as the Hermitage Marquise de la Tourette) is sensational in both 2010 and 2009. Three thousand cases of this cuvee are produced, and the wine is aged in French oak, 50% new.

  The most prodigious wine I have yet tasted from the Delas portfolio is the brilliant 2009 Hermitage Les Bessards. Its inky/purple color is followed by abundant notes of acacia flowers, blackberries, black currants, new saddle leather, roasted meats and graphite, amazing concentration, a skyscraper-like texture, supple but significant tannin and low acidity. The result is a perfect example of Syrah from this great vineyard site in Hermitage. It will offer immense pleasure for 40+ years.

  100 points
  Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate

  Delivery Information
• • 91
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  • 92

  2019 Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Magnum (1500ml)

  Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $170. 00

  Bottle

  $2040.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Alain Graillot has proved beyond a doubt that it is possible to make rich wines from the gently sloped alluvial plain where the Isère River meets the Rhone. His concentrated reds demonstrate all that is exciting about the Syrah grape: black fruit, intense aromaticity, pepper and spice complexity underpinned by crisp acidity and fine tannins.

  Graillot works organically, harvesting fruit by hand and fermenting in whole bunches. He chooses to age his wines in used barrels, one to three-years-old, purchased from Burgundy’s best estates. His Crozes-Hermitage is difficult to resist young. Despite the tannins that inevitably come from the inclusion of whole bunches in fermentation, Graillot wines are seldom hard-edged, overly tannic, or in need of extended cellaring. In fact, they are often flat-out delicious very soon after release. That being said, their track record for rewarding patient cellaring is exemplary.

  Other Reviews....
  Atypically big, rich and velvety, the 2019 Crozes Hermitage emanates from a vintage whose yields were cut in half by hail. Bottled in March 2021, it delivers rolling waves of ripe black cherries, tinged with understated herbal notes and a long, luxuriously textured finish. Drink 2023 - 2035.
  92+ points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Jan 2022)

  Spice-driven dark berry, cherry, peony and licorice aromas are sharpened by a zesty mineral flourish. Fleshy blackberry and bitter cherry flavors turn sweeter with air and pick up a smoky nuance on the back half. Shows fine definition and energy and finishes spicy and quite long, displaying gently chewy tannins and a resonating floral quality.
  91-93 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

  A cloud of smoke, plus the aromas of freshly cracked black pepper and a freshly sharpened pencil, are married to subtle blackberry and blueberry fruit. Simultaneously ripe, sleek and very precise, this has almost Burgundian finesse at the long, cool finish. As it aerates, the tannins grow in intensity, suggesting this has excellent aging potential. The last vintage Alain Graillot bottled before his recent death.
  94 points
  JamesSuckling.com

  Delivery Information
• • 91
  • 94
  • 92

  2019 Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage

  Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $82. 99

  Bottle

  $995.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Alain Graillot has proved beyond a doubt that it is possible to make rich wines from the gently sloped alluvial plain where the Isère River meets the Rhone. His concentrated reds demonstrate all that is exciting about the Syrah grape: black fruit, intense aromaticity, pepper and spice complexity underpinned by crisp acidity and fine tannins.

  Graillot works organically, harvesting fruit by hand and fermenting in whole bunches. He chooses to age his wines in used barrels, one to three-years-old, purchased from Burgundy’s best estates. His Crozes-Hermitage is difficult to resist young. Despite the tannins that inevitably come from the inclusion of whole bunches in fermentation, Graillot wines are seldom hard-edged, overly tannic, or in need of extended cellaring. In fact, they are often flat-out delicious very soon after release. That being said, their track record for rewarding patient cellaring is exemplary.

  Other Reviews....
  Atypically big, rich and velvety, the 2019 Crozes Hermitage emanates from a vintage whose yields were cut in half by hail. Bottled in March 2021, it delivers rolling waves of ripe black cherries, tinged with understated herbal notes and a long, luxuriously textured finish. Drink 2023 - 2035.
  92+ points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Jan 2022)

  Spice-driven dark berry, cherry, peony and licorice aromas are sharpened by a zesty mineral flourish. Fleshy blackberry and bitter cherry flavors turn sweeter with air and pick up a smoky nuance on the back half. Shows fine definition and energy and finishes spicy and quite long, displaying gently chewy tannins and a resonating floral quality.
  91-93 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

  A cloud of smoke, plus the aromas of freshly cracked black pepper and a freshly sharpened pencil, are married to subtle blackberry and blueberry fruit. Simultaneously ripe, sleek and very precise, this has almost Burgundian finesse at the long, cool finish. As it aerates, the tannins grow in intensity, suggesting this has excellent aging potential. The last vintage Alain Graillot bottled before his recent death.
  94 points
  JamesSuckling.com

  Delivery Information
• • 93
  • 91
  • 93

  2018 Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage

  Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $77. 99

  Bottle

  $935.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Alain Graillot has proved beyond a doubt that it is possible to make rich wines from the gently sloped alluvial plain where the Isère River meets the Rhone. His concentrated reds demonstrate all that is exciting about the Syrah grape: black fruit, intense aromaticity, pepper and spice complexity underpinned by crisp acidity and fine tannins.

  Graillot works organically, harvesting fruit by hand and fermenting in whole bunches. He chooses to age his wines in used barrels, one to three-years-old, purchased from Burgundy’s best estates. His Crozes-Hermitage is difficult to resist young. Despite the tannins that inevitably come from the inclusion of whole bunches in fermentation, Graillot wines are seldom hard-edged, overly tannic, or in need of extended cellaring. In fact, they are often flat-out delicious very soon after release. That being said, their track record for rewarding patient cellaring is exemplary.

  Other Reviews....
  Maxime Graillot was confident that he will bottle a La Guiraude from 2018, but the selection hadn't yet been made at the time of my visit. This barrel of 2018 Crozes Hermitage shows superb aromatics, with hints of black tea accenting cassis and blueberry fruit. Full-bodied, rich and velvety, it reveals some chocolaty notes yet remains remarkably fresh on the finish.
  91-93 points
  Joe Czerwinski - The Wine Advocate (Feb 2020)

  Inky ruby. Mineral- and spice-accented aromas of ripe dark berries and candied violet show outstanding clarity and lift. At once rich and energetic in the mouth, offering juicy blackberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors that slowly turn sweeter on the back half. Shows outstanding clarity on the long, penetrating finish, which features well-judged tannins and lingering floral and spice notes.
  93 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

  Alluring, with alder, juniper and bay leaf aromas already pulling you in before the crushed cherry and plum fruit shows itself. An iron note curls around the finish, pulling everything together and bringing you back for more. Drink now through 2028.
  93 points
  James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

  Delivery Information
• • 93
  • 94

  2015 Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude

  Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $110. 00

  Bottle

  $1320.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  La Guiraude is simply a barrel selection of Graillot's Crozes Hermitage. The 2015 Crozes Hermitage la Guiraude is darker and meatier than the regular cuvée, offering notes of black cherries, soy sauce and roasted meat. It's full-bodied and dense, packed with flavor and richness, and long and velvety on the finish.
  94 points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate #234 (Dec 2017)

  Lurid ruby. Sexy, intensely perfumed aromas of dark fruit preserves, smoky minerals, exotic spices and olive paste. Silky and sweet on the palate, offering concentrated blackberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors enlivened by a jolt of smoky minerality. Shows excellent clarity and spicy lift on the seamless, strikingly persistent finish, which leaves a cherry liqueur note behind.
  93 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

  Delivery Information
• • 91
  • 92

  2016 Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage

  Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $64. 99

  Bottle

  $779.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Graillot's 2016 Crozes Hermitage (tasted from tank) will be bottled at the end of January. It's floral and stemmy, with dark berry fruit and some tea-like notes on the silky finish. This medium to full-bodied wine should be almost ready to drink upon release and drink well for up to a decade.
  91-93 points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate #234 (Dec 2017)

  A light coating of mocha allows dark cherry and plum compote flavors to glide through center stage while gentle black tea and sandalwood notes fill in on the finish. Alluring. Drink now through 2022. 6,500 cases made.
  92 points
  James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

  Delivery Information
• • 91

  2019 Domaine Auguste Clape Cotes du Rhone Syrah

  Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $110. 00

  Bottle

  $1320.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Auguste Clape first came to Cornas in 1949 to marry his wife Henriette whose family owned 5 hectares of vineyards in the appellation. Today his son, Pierre-Marie and grandson Olivier Clape run the estate, which is considered to be the benchmark producer in the region. They farm 5.38 acres of Cornas including a resounding 3 hectares on the granitic soils of what is the finest plot in Cornas - Reynards. An “old-style” producer with no destemming, wild yeast ferments that take place in concrete vats and aging in older, neutral foudres for 20 months before bottling without filtration. If you seek a traditional Syrah from the sun-drenched, terraced slopes of the Northern Rhône, the stunning wines of Auguste Clape should be at the top of your list.

  Domaine Clape Cotes du Rhone is sourced from two parcels of Syrah, one planted within Saint-Péray and classified as Cotes du Rhone, and a second at the bottom of a slope just beneath the boundary of Cornas, level with the village of Cornas. In some years a small amount of press wine from young-vine Cornas is added. Fermentation and elevage occurs in cement tanks with part of the wine passing briefly in foudre.

  Other Reviews....
  Easily the equal of some producers' Cornas, Clape's 2019 Cotes du Rhone—which comes from vines on just the wrong side of the road to be called Cornas—boasts attractive scents of menthol and cassis. It's medium to full-bodied and quite concentrated and tannic this vintage, yet finishes silky and long. Give it another year in the cellar and drink it through the end of this decade. Drink 2023 - 2030.
  91+ points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Jan 2022)

  Delivery Information
• • 96
  • 97

  2018 Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas

  Cornas, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $280. 00

  Bottle

  $3360.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Auguste Clape first came to Cornas in 1949 to marry his wife Henriette whose family owned 5 hectares of vineyards in the appellation. Today his son, Pierre-Marie and grandson Olivier Clape run the estate, which is considered to be the benchmark producer in the region. They farm 5.38 acres of Cornas including a resounding 3 hectares on the granitic soils of what is the finest plot in Cornas - Reynards. An “old-style” producer with no destemming, wild yeast ferments that take place in concrete vats and aging in older, neutral foudres for 20 months before bottling without filtration. If you seek a traditional Syrah from the sun-drenched, terraced slopes of the Northern Rhône, the stunning wines of Auguste Clape should be at the top of your list.

  Other Reviews....
  Bottled late in 2020, the 2018 Cornas is another exceptional vintage for this cuvée, drawn from the family's older vines, largely in the lieux-dits of La Côte, Sabarotte and Reynard. Yes, it's from a hot, sunny vintage, it's rich and ripe, with plenty of red plum fruit up front, but there's a solid underpinning of crushed stone to provide balance. Full-bodied and velvety in feel in the mouth, it lingers elegantly on the lengthy finish. Complete, balanced and fine, it should drink well through at least 2040. Drink 2023 - 2040.
  97 points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Jan 2022)

  Spice- and mineral- accented dark berry, smoky bacon and floral pastille scents show excellent delineation and pick up deeper licorice and olive paste notes with air. Sappy and expansive in the mouth, offering juicy boysenberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors that show outstanding depth and are lifted by a potent mineral flourish. Powerful yet lively in character, delivering solid finishing thrust and closing with noteworthy tenacity and youthfully chewy tannins that build steadily.
  96-97 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

  The flagship comes largely from the Reynard lieu-dit (unquestionably one of the finest vineyards in the appellation) and the oldest vines of the estate. The lots destined for this cuvée offered another level of richness and depth, with more opulence and decadence than most recent vintages. Full-bodied, concentrated, and tannic on the palate, it’s going to require patience. The 2015 was even more tannic and backward at this stage, but there’s more than a touch of greatness in this beauty.
  94-96+ points
  Jeb Dunnuck

  A tasting of the various lieu-dits suggest a fairly classic vintage, on the riper side but not as ripe as 2015, with well-balanced acidity and ripe tannins that are relatively approachable for this domain. Some tanks showed a little raised volatile acidity, which may show up in the final blend. They will make Renaissance this year; tanks yet to be selected at this stage, so the score is very much just an early indication. Some rain in May had Pierre Clape worried about mildew, but a few treatments with copper did the trick - there was a little on his whites but not his reds. A relaxed harvest started on the 12th of September, fermentations were long with no destemming as usual, fermented in concrete, aged in large old oak barrels.
  97 points
  Matt Walls - Decanter

  Delivery Information
• • 94
  • 93

  2018 Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas Renaissance

  Cornas, Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Auguste Clape first came to Cornas in 1949 to marry his wife Henriette whose family owned 5 hectares of vineyards in the appellation. Today his son, Pierre-Marie and grandson Olivier Clape run the estate, which is considered to be the benchmark producer in the region. They farm 5.38 acres of Cornas including a resounding 3 hectares on the granitic soils of what is the finest plot in Cornas - Reynards. An “old-style” producer with no destemming, wild yeast ferments that take place in concrete vats and aging in older, neutral foudres for 20 months before bottling without filtration. If you seek a traditional Syrah from the sun-drenched, terraced slopes of the Northern Rhône, the stunning wines of Auguste Clape should be at the top of your list.

  Other Reviews....
  The 2018 Cornas Renaissance shows less of the vintage's sunbaked character than you might expect, boasting floral notes and fresh red plum fruit. It's medium to full-bodied, silky in feel and even a touch crisp on the long finish. It should be reasonably long lived, drinking well through at least 2035. Drink 2023 - 2035.
  93 points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Jan 2022)

  Powerful, mineral-driven aromas of ripe black/blue fruits, candied flowers, olive, musky earth and exotic spices. Densely packed and animated on the palate, offering bitter cherry, blueberry and spicecake flavors that unwind slowly with air and show fine delineation. The blue fruit and floral notes drive an impressively long, spice-laced finish that's given shape by fine-grained, slowly building tannins.
  94-95 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

  Moving to the Cornas releases, all of which were tasted from foudre and tank, the 2018 Cornas Renaissance will be a mix of different terroirs and young and older vines. All the samples had distinct yet certainly classic Clape character, with vibrant blue and black fruits, pepper, and ample gaminess. There are enough tannins here to warrant short-term cellaring, but it should keep for 15+ years.
  92+94+ points
  Jeb Dunnuck

  Delivery Information
• • 90

  2019 Domaine Auguste Clape Le Vin des Amis

  Northern Rhone, FRANCE

  $84. 99

  Bottle

  $1019.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Cork

  Auguste Clape first came to Cornas in 1949 to marry his wife Henriette whose family owned 5 hectares of vineyards in the appellation. Today his son, Pierre-Marie and grandson Olivier Clape run the estate, which is considered to be the benchmark producer in the region. They farm 5.38 acres of Cornas including a resounding 3 hectares on the granitic soils of what is the finest plot in Cornas - Reynards. An “old-style” producer with no destemming, wild yeast ferments that take place in concrete vats and aging in older, neutral foudres for 20 months before bottling without filtration. If you seek a traditional Syrah from the sun-drenched, terraced slopes of the Northern Rhône, the stunning wines of Auguste Clape should be at the top of your list.

  While Le Vin des Amis may be the entry point for the Domaine, it's no less serious and age worthy than their other bottlings. Sourced from various plots of Syrah vineyards situated between the village of Cornas and the Rhone river, the average vine age is 40 years. Le Vin des Amis is fermented and aged in cement tanks before spending two months in oak foudres prior to bottling.

  Other Reviews....
  Not quite as seductively aromatic as the 2020 version, the 2019 Vin de France Le Vin des Amis still boasts great fruit expression. Cassis and black olive notes dominate this medium to full-bodied effort. Quite richly textured and concentrated, it should drink well through at least 2027. Drink 2021 - 2027.
  90 points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Jan 2022)

  Delivery Information