Coming from the more limestone soils of this hallowed appellation, the 2018 Ermitage Les Dionnières reveals a dense purple color to go with beautiful cassis and blackberry fruits interwoven with lots of burning embers, dried herbs, earth, and a touch of chocolate. With full-bodied richness, a round, expansive texture, and building tannins, it's a beautiful, classic, flawlessly balanced Hermitage that will benefit from just short-term cellaring and keep for 20 years or more. Maturity: 2021-2042. Score - 97. (jebdunnuck.com, Nov. 19, 2020)

This blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan is crafted in the fruit-forward style typical of Michel Chapoutier. It's quite floral, with raspberry, dark chocolate, incense, herbs, spice, and black fruit on the palate. Drink now till 2026.

Readers looking for a great introduction to Northern Rhône Syrah will love the 2020 Crozes Hermitage La Matinière, which comes from a mix of terroirs and was destemmed and brought up mostly in concrete. Crazily complex notes of red and blue fruits, flowers, and ground pepper nuances give way to a medium-bodied, juicy, elegant Crozes that's perfect for enjoying over the coming 4-6 years or so. Maturity: 2022-2028. Score - 91. (jebdunnuck.com, Dec. 15, 2022)