2010 Cote Rotie

(includes 10% viognier): Inky ruby. Deep, smoky aromas of red fruit liqueur, Indian spices and incense, with a bright mineral topnote. Lush, creamy red and dark berry flavors show good freshness, with a lively mineral spine adding focus. Very deep but shows good energy, with appealing finishing sweetness and juicy persistence.

The 2010 Cote Rotie Classique offers sweet, ripe tannins in addition to black raspberry and cassis fruit intermixed with loamy soil, bouquet garni and incense. Ripe and medium to full-bodied, with better integrated oak, it, too, should be drunk over the next decade. Two cuvees of St.-Joseph are produced, including Les Pierres (which comes from stony soils) and the Clos de Cuminaille (which is a true “Clos”). Importer: North Berkeley Wine Imports, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 336-9880

90% Syrah, 10% Viognier. Great lift and elegance. Mouthfilling. Excellent energy. Though still a little brutal at the moment. Savoury, salty finish. (JR)