THE PRESS ON THE 2015 ROUGE

16.5+ points, Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com
"Mostly Syrah (theoretically there should be no more than 50%). All south of St-Marcel d’Ardeche, on the right bank of the Rhône especially. Usually Plan de Dieu but not in 2015. Lots of Vinsobres instead for a change. To be released early in 2018.

Very flashy, glossy Syrah on the nose. Bit of treacle but great richness too. Great gloss and balance. Racy. Energetic. This doesn’t taste very like southern Rhône! They specialise in buying lots which others don’t want. They seek slow-maturing well-structured Syrahs. This will be a huge hit! No hurry to drink."

91 points, Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.com
"As usual, the 2015 Cotes du Rhone features a majority of Syrah, largely sourced from the western side of the Rhône. Spicy, peppery, hickory aromas lead off, adding berries up front and then moving into darker fruit and more savory notes of black olive by the finish. This medium to full-bodied wine finishes long and silky, avoiding any of the vintage's hard tannins, while still boasting the concentration to drink well through at least 2023."

90 points, Josh Raynolds, vinous.com
"Brilliant ruby. Vibrant cherry and cassis aromas are complicated by licorice, violet and floral nuances. Sappy, gently sweet dark fruit flavors show very good energy, and a peppery nuance adds lift and spicy bite. Finishes smoky and long, with supple tannins sneaking in late to add shape."