I loved the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Syrah and it's a baby Côte Rôtie. Sweet black fruits, incense, peppery herbs, and bacon fat notes all emerge from this elegant, rounded, incredibly classic Northern Rhône Syrah that I'd be thrilled to drink over the coming 4-5 years.

Bright purple. Textbook Syrah aromas of dark berries, olive, cracked pepper and smoky bacon carry a subtle floral topnote. Silky and sweet on the palate, offering juicy blackberry and cherry flavors and a touch of candied violet. Finishes on a spicy floral note; smooth tannins shape the clinging finish.

The 2016 Cotes du Rhone comes from Syrah vines grown just outside Côte Rôtie and spends up to a year in older oak prior to bottling. It's slightly more concentrated than the straight Syrah IGP (which comes from young vines), offering medium body, a plump, succulent mouthfeel and notes of cherries, violets and tapenade. It should drink well for 4-5 years.