The 2014 Syrah Domaine Des Chirats comes from Rockpile. It is a collaboration with Yves Cuilleron from France’s Northern Rhône. This is made from what is believed to be Chapoutier suitcase clones. It is 100% Syrah aged in about 30% new French oak with about 30% whole clusters during the fermentation. Beautiful elegance and complexity with notes of blueberry, blackberry, floral notes, and great acid, this is a dead ringer for a Northern Hermitage or Côte-Rôtie. A gorgeous, dense purple color to the rim, sweet, juicy fruit, full body, but again, incredible freshness and vibrancy. This is a stunner and comes in at 15.2% natural alcohol, but seems light on its feet. Drink it over the next decade or more. P.S. As it sits in the glass, some bacon fat, lard and meaty notes also emerge. - Robert Parker

An assertive Syrah, showing power and finesse, offering aromas of berry cobbler and toasty spice, with rich flavors of smoky black cherry and licorice. The tannins build slowly toward the finish. Drink now through 2025. 449 cases made.-TF