Dense and chocolaty, with notions of dark fruits, crushed rock, bakers chocolate and asphalt, the 2003 Cote Rotie Seigneur de Maugiron is 100% Syrah (mostly from the Cote Brune) that was aged in 30% new French oak. Medium to full-bodied, rich and impressively concentrated on the palate, with beautiful depth and a layered, seamless feel, it too will have upwards of another decade of longevity. This was a brilliant showing from Delas, and across the board the wines have superb fruit and texture, with mostly youthful profiles.

Made from 100% Syrah, the 2003 Cote Rotie Seigneur de Maugiron (90% from the Cote Brune) was aged in small barrels of which 30% were new. It offers up wonderful scents of bacon fat, charcoal, spring flowers, plums, blackberries, and cherries. Sweet and medium to full-bodied with surprisingly fine acidity, a rich mid-palate and depth, and a heady, concentrated finish, this silky 2003 can be enjoyed now and over the next 12-13 years. Importer: Maison Marques et Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000

Tight, with dense structure and thickly layered toast holding the plum, black currant, coffee and mineral notes at bay for now. Gorgeous fig, espresso and mocha on the finish, with mineral and sanguine notes skittering in the background. Best from 2008 through 2020. 730 cases made. -JM