From nose to finish, this Syrah offers depth and nuance. Opening notes of menthol, eucalyptus and burnt sage accent ripe but restrained blackberry and cassis. It’s an invigorating sip, studded by crisp black-fruit flavors, hits of black pepper and fine tannins that extend the finish. *Editors' Choice*

This comes from the schist section, in the north of the appellation, and has a very complex and spicy edge to the dark berries and cherries. The palate has a succulent, savory and very powerful, expressive feel with latent spices and roasted meat, through a very intense core of black fruits. Ripe grapes and whole bunches here. Intense and juicy with strapping tannins. Drink over the next decade or more.

Saturated ruby. An expansive bouquet evokes ripe, spice-tinged red and blue fruits, potpourri, violet and olive paste, and a smoky mineral nuance builds in the glass. Shows impressive depth and energy, offering sappy dark berry, cherry cola, spicecake and floral pastille flavors braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Shows a welcome light touch for its heft and finishes on a gently tannic note, displaying fine delineation and mineral thrust.