2017 Côtes du Roussillon Villages Silex Vignerons de Tautavel

Jeb Dunnuck 94 points: A brilliant wine that readers should snatch up is the 2016 Cotes Du Roussillon Villages Tautavel Silex, a Grenache-dominant blend that includes 30% Syrah and 10% Carignan. It was completely destemmed and brought up all in tank. Rocking notes of black currants, black cherries, licorice, garrigue, new leather, and loads of peppery goodness all emerge from this medium to full-bodied effort. Rich, full-bodied, nicely concentrated, and with ripe tannins, this sensational Tautavel is already approachable today yet will keep for 8-10 years.

Parker-Czerwinski 93 points: Crushed stone and blueberries alongside hints of thyme and bay leaf bring some serious complexity to the nose of the 2016 Silex. Medium to full-bodied, it's silky in texture, finely structured and long. After tasting it from tank last year, this has turned out beautifully.

A cuvée of Syrah, Grenache Noir and Garignan that blows us away. The variety of aromas of spicy herbs, peppercorns and ripe red fruits leaves nothing to be desired. Then the Silex convinces on the palate with its strong aromas of wild berries and smoky notes. It is balanced and rich. The soft, almost velvety tannins flatter the long finish.