Delas : Domaine des Tourettes 2020

Ripe, fresh and sleek, with a beam of dark cherry and red currant fruit driving through, gently laced with singed apple wood, savory and violet notes along the way. The fruit keeps a steady presence through the focused finish, while an iron note develops. Best from 2023 through 2035. 2,083 cases made, 180 cases imported.

The oak spice is quite forthright on the nose, then you sink down into the plush, juicy fruit. Like sitting into a well-stuffed leather armchair, it's comfortable on the palate, but there's some pleasing resistance. Juicy and ripe, with a slick of soft, pliable tannin. This is opulent and finishes long. The oak spice is generous, but it works well with the rich style.

Dense black fruit aromas with hints of tar and leather. A bold and powerful wine with a serious tannin structure that's wrapped in ripe fruit. Long smoky and stony finish that tells you this has an excellent future ahead of it. Matured for more than 18 months in oak barrels, of which a quarter were new. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.

Tasted pre-bottling. A dark fruit character stands out (blueberry). At this stage, the attack on the palate is creamy, but the balance is not yet in place. Patience.

The nose is powerful, revealing a brooding blend of boysenberry, leather, and black olives, underscored by a touch of iodine. On the palate, earthy mushrooms and violets unfold, seamlessly balanced by firm tannins and lively acidity, showcasing the wine's refined depth and structure.