2015 Cotes du Rhone

(10% whole clusters): Deep ruby. Ripe red fruits and floral pastilles on the fragrant nose, with black pepper and licorice nuances emerging slowly. Silky and open-knit, offering appealing sweet black raspberry and cherry flavors that are energized by a jolt of cracked pepper. Finishes sweet and round, with sneaky tannins and a lingering suggestion of candied violet.

Scheduled to be bottled early next year, the 2015 Côtes du Rhône is a classic, more focused and elegant wine than the IGP Syrah offering lots of meatiness, leather and olive characteristics with good fruit, integrated acidity and outstanding length. It comes from vines bordering Côte Rôtie and will drink well for 4-5 years.

To be bottled beginning of November. From some old vines right up above the Côte Rôtie vineyards and the core from between the Côte Rôtie climats of Bourrier and Cognets (but with higher yields and different vinification). Deep purplish crimson. Very Syrah and very northern Rhône. On schist and with that sort of excitement. Very Jamet too – a great-value choice if you like his style but not his prices. GV (JR)