Inky ruby color. Expressive kirsch, cassis and candied violet scents, along with hints of vanilla, espresso and olive paste. Juicy and broad on the palate, offering appealingly sweet, deeply concentrated black and blue fruit, mocha, licorice and floral pastille flavors that are supported by a core of juicy acidity. Youthfully chewy tannins add shape to an impressively long finish that features lingering dark berry, olive and spice notes. -- Josh Raynolds

A dark, winey and well-structured version, with graphite girders supporting a core of steeped plum, cherry reduction and blackberry preserves. Shows drive and depth, with excellent precision through the violet- and alder-tinged finish. Lovely. Best from 2023 through 2036. 800 cases made, 134 cases imported. — JM

(92 - 94 points) The 2018 Cote Rotie les Grandes Places (assembled from several barrels) boasts aromas of tar, blackberries and blueberries. It's medium to full-bodied, open-knit and a bit tannic, but it's ripe, flavorful and long on the finish.- JC

Charred hazelnuts, dill and cracked peppercorn lend savory, smoky contrasts to an undercurrent of blueberry and cassis preserves in this wine. Framed by penetrating but soft, pillowy tannins, it's a rich, roundly structured Syrah with satisfying density and heft. It's best to wait till 2025 at least, and the wine should reward well through 2040. ANNA LEE C. IIJIMA