Delas : Domaine des Grands Chemins 2018

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.

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. 4,000 cases made, 113 cases imported.

Inky dark purple colour. Smoky and flinty with some leather, tobacco, wild berries and dried herbs. The palate has excellent grip with a youthful texture, peppery dark fruit, some meaty and roasted notes, a hint of oak and a long, muscular and spicy finish.

Crozes-Hermitage is a technically well-made wine, but it lacks soul. It finishes on a burnt, smoky note, but never really takes off.

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.