A blend of 97% Syrah, 2% Grenache and 1% Roussanne, the 2016 Hommage à nos Pairs Reserve wafts from the glass with notes of roasted plums, blackberry, cassis, grilled meats and subtle espresso roast. On the palate, it's full-bodied, ample and juicy, with a layered, concentrated mid-palate and lovely energy and cut, framed by fine, chalky tannins. Even though the blend is quite different, this barrel sample reminded me of Languedoc superstar Laurent Vaillé's Grange des Pères. (WK)

Bright purple. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe dark berries, violet oil, olive and smoky minerals, complicated by a sexy floral topnote. Alluringly sweet, deeply concentrated black and blue fruit, floral pastille and spicecake flavors become more lively as the wine opens up. Displays superb definition and powerful dark berry thrust on an impressively long, sweet finish shaped by smooth, slow-building tannins. (JR)

Lots of blackcurrant and blackberry aromas with violets and rose-stems. Full-bodied with powerful tannins. Fresh and lively. Bit of oak at the end, but very clear.