Deep nose of thyme, incense, smoked meat, lavender and blackberries. Savory and chewy with a full body, firm and ripe tannins, and excellent concentration. Delicious already, but better from 2024. (CN)

A complex blend of sour cherries, crushed blackberries, blood orange and mint keeps me at the edge of the glass as the 2019 Syrah Baby Bear makes itself known. It washes across the palate with an array of ultra-ripe black and purple-toned fruits balanced by a twang of sour citrus as lively acidity lights up the senses. This cleans up beautifully through the finale, crisp and classically dry, leaving a gentle tug of fine tannins. Already a total pleasure today, the 2019 will also excel through medium-term cellaring. (EG)

Precise and handsomely structured, with expressive currant, grilled anise and smoked pepper flavors that gather tension and richness toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2030. (TF)