Fayolle Fils & Fille Les Pontaix 2019

Juicy and direct, with a burst of red and black cherry compote flavors followed quickly by melted black licorice and sweet tobacco hints. A light mineral accent adds a little tension through the fruit-driven finish. Drink now through 2028.

This varietal Marsanne showcases the grape's silky, even oily, richness juxtaposed by a zippiness of fresh tangerine and apricot. Made from organic grapes and vinified in oak (20% new), it's nuanced by hints of almond and smoke but maintains a clarity of fruit that's refreshing. Immediately welcoming, the wine should hold well through 2025.

From 40-year-old vines on clay and limestone soils in Crozes proper, destemmed and aged in demi-muids (20% new), the cassis-scented 2019 Crozes Hermitage Les Pontaix picks up hints of crushed stone and pencil shavings on the nose as well. It's a moderately concentrated, easy-drinking Crozes, with soft tannins, succulent fruit and a long, softly dusty finish. 2021 - 2027.

Fresh berry fruit, blackberries, not overripe. Medium-bodied, very precise, not overly thick in texture with very fine tannin and good acidity. Better than most Crozes-Hermitage in 2019, this is very ripe but also balanced, fresh and drinkable. From granite soils at the north of the appellation. Spends 12 months in demi-muids, 20% new.