Delas Hermitage Ligne de Crete Les Grandes Vignes 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016

Les Grandes Vignes is a plot of old syrah vines that grow at 325 m altitude which is clos to the summit ridge of the hill of Hermitage that peaks at 344 m. The grapes grown here have less alcohol and smoother tannins than grapes from the hottest spots of Hermitage but they offer superior balance and aromatic intensity. Floral aromas meet cherry, licorice, olives, black pepper and vanilla. The terroir charges the wine with mineral tension.

Josh Raynolds vinous.com 97 (2019) Inky ruby color. Expansive, smoke and mineral-accented black and blue fruit, licorice, smoky bacon, mocha, violet and licorice on the highly perfumed nose. Appeaingly sweet, mineral-accented cassis, boysenberry, fruitcake, floral pastille and vanilla flavors show superb depth and become livelier with aeration. Shows superb detail and mineral lift on the youthfully tannic, extremely persistent and incisive finish, which features resonating floral and exotic spice notes.  Ratings for 2018: 96, 2017: 96 (2016 not rated).