The 2006 Syrah Grand Ciel Vineyard also contains 2% Viognier. It offers greater aromatic complexity with its wild berries and herbs, leading to a packed, dense, opulent wine with a sauvage character that should please any Rhone enthusiast. This impeccably balanced, pleasure-bent Syrah will have a drinking window extending from 2011 to 2021. Doyenne is the sister label of DeLille Cellars and is used for Rhone varieties. www.delillecellars.com

Firm, ripe, dense and plummy fruit is underlined with astringent tannins. Nuances of black olive, smoke and graphite are woven in. Doyenne’s 2006 wines are all quite tight, hard, and tannic; they will greatly benefit from more bottle age and generous breathing time.——P.G.(11/1/2009)—— 91