95 point

Another single vineyard release, the 100% Syrah 2017 Gigondas Les Routes reminds me of some of the older vintages of Rayas's Fonsalette releases with its gamey, olive, tobacco, cured meats, and peppery dark fruit-driven aromas and flavors. With medium to full-bodied richness, plenty of ripe tannins, and a great finish, it offers serious pleasure today, yet I suspect it will keep for 10-15+ years as well. 2019 - 2034.

96 point

In a vintage that was terrific for Syrah, the 2017 Gigondas les Routes is a rock star. Notes of wintergreen and licorice accent ripe blueberry fruit in this full- bodied, creamy, lushly textured wine. Despite all that opulence, it's fresh and briny on the finish-clean, pure and kinky all at once. 2020 - 2030.

94/95

Brilliant purple. Highly perfumed black and blue fruit, cherry-cola, Moroccan spice and violet scents show excellent clarity and pick up woodsmoke and licorice accents with air. Offers deeply concentrated, mineral-driven blueberry, bitter cherry and fruitcake flavors that are complemented by a sweetening suggestion of candied flowers. Broad and supple in texture, finishing with intense, floral- and spice-dominated persistence and well-knit tannins that lend subtle grip.

95 point

Features a solid core of winey black currant and blackberry fruit waiting to burst out, held in check for now by singed cast iron, tobacco, sage and juniper notes. Lovely floral lift imparts range, while racy acidity adds length on the finish. Best from 2022 through 2035.

94/95

Brilliant purple. Highly perfumed black and blue fruit, cherry-cola, Moroccan spice and violet scents show excellent clarity and pick up woodsmoke and licorice accents with air. Offers deeply concentrated, mineral-driven blueberry, bitter cherry and fruitcake flavors that are complemented by a sweetening suggestion of candied flowers. Broad and supple in texture, finishing with intense, floral- and spice-dominated persistence and well-knit tannins that lend subtle grip.