2010 Cornas La Sabarotte

Also revealing an opaque purple color, the 2010 Cornas La Sabarotte exhibits gorgeous aromas of pen ink, spring flowers, smoked meats, graphite and massive quantities of blackberry and cassis fruit. This terrific Cornas will age gracefully for 20-25 years. One of the most quality conscious estates in the Northern Rhone, Domaine Courbis produces a trio of vineyard designated Cornas as well as two cuvees of impressive St.-Joseph. After the brilliant success of their 2009 vintage, I thought it would be difficult for this estate to equal what they achieved, but the 2010s are all stunning, and the 2011s are not far behind. The Courbis family has nearly 48 acres in St.-Joseph and another 20 in Cornas, making them a relatively impressive family-owned estate. The Cornas vineyards are planted in decomposed granite soils with little top soil. The Cornas Les Eygats emerges from what the Courbis brothers feel is their greatest micro-climate, from a terraced vineyard composed of broken granite, planted at an altitude of 250 meters. Importer: Russell Herman, Berkeley Heights, NJ; tel. (908) 771-9082

Dark purple. Expansive aromas of black and blue fruit preserves, potpourri and sandalwood, with smoke and Indian spice nuances adding complexity. Big and lush, offering potent cassis and blueberry flavors complicated by notes of star anise and bitter chocolate. Soft tannins add shape to the strikingly long, sappy, penetrating finish.