The 2019 Hommage à nos Pairs Reserve is a finished barrel sample of co-fermented Grenache and Viognier, due to be bottled in August 2021. Deep ruby-purple, it is scented of cassis and blueberries with accents of tar, violets, turned earth and coffee beans. The palate is full-bodied but manages loads of freshness and lift, with intense, perfumed fruits and an uplifted finish.

The 2018 Hommage à nos Pairs Reserve is made up of 95% Syrah, 3% Viognier and 2% Grenache, co-fermented and aged 22 months in 60% new oak. Opaque ruby-purple, the nose offers lush cassis, licorice, dried herbs and floral hints with lots of underlying aromatic nuances. The full-bodied palate is loaded with mineral-laced fruits in an expertly grainy frame, and it finishes very long and extraordinarily juicy. Give this another 2-3 years in bottle. 450 cases produced.

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.

A blend of 95% Syrah, 3% Grenache and 2% Viognier, the 2015 Hommage à nos Pairs Reserve opens in the glass with notes of black cherry, cassis, blackberries and bay leaf, framed by a light touch of new oak that's already nicely integrated. On the palate, it's full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a taut, layered core, an ample chassis of rich, chalky tannins and a long, youthfully chewy finish. This will reward a few years of patience and should enjoy 10-15 years of longevity.