Marked by hints of cedar and vanilla, the black cherry-scented 2019 Crozes Hermitage étincelle is perhaps a bit too oaky (it spent nine months in barrel). It's medium to full-bodied, nicely textured in the mouth, with a dry, woody finish. If those wood tannins fall away faster than the wine's fruit, my rating may seem stingy in a few years' time.

Made in decent quantities, the inky-colored 2015 Crozes Hermitage Etincelle sports a rich, concentrated style as well as gorgeous black raspberry, crushed flowers and peppery aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, with juicy acidity, it should be an outstanding wine.

A step back from the 2015, but still a rock-solid wine, the 2014 Crozes Hermitage Etincelle comes from a single parcel of mostly clay and limestone soils, and it was aged in one- to three-year-old barrels. Its deep ruby color is followed by notes of blackberries, crushed herbs, peppery and violets. Medium-bodied, nicely textured and balanced, it has plenty of class.

The 2012 Crozes Hermitage Etincelle is another well-made, delicious red from this estate. Loaded with fruit, sexy and forward, it gives up plenty of blackberry and cassis fruit, licorice, pepper and meat nuances in its textured, ripe and ready-to-go personality. It’s best drunk over the coming 4-5 years.

The largest production cuvee, the 2011 Crozes Hermitage Etincelle is all Syrah and was brought up in all in neutral oak. Exhibiting classic blackberry, crushed stone, bouquet garni and smoked earth, it is medium-bodied, textured and supple on the palate, with loads of charm and up-front appeal. It will drink nicely for 4-5 years. These impressive, textured and fruit loaded efforts are made by Denis Basset. Importer: Ansonia Wines, Philadelphia, PA; tel. (202) 506-4215