The 2010 Cotes du Rhone Le Cros (100% Syrah) is a strong example of this often maligned varietal in the southern Rhone. A dense purple color is followed by scents of blackberries, acacia flowers and licorice offered in a deep, full-bodied style. Still primary in its aromas and flavors, it tastes more like a barrel sample than a bottled wine. One of the estate's few wines that is aged in small oak barrels (in this case for 12 months), it will benefit from 1-2 more years of bottle age and should keep for a decade. In 1999, I discovered one of the finest estates in the southern Rhone, the Domaine Les Aphillanthes owned by Daniel Boulle. His oenologist is none other than Philippe Cambie and his commitment to quality is evidenced by the fact that he refused to bottle any 2008s. Following that troublesome year, Boulle has produced some impressive 2009s and 2010s. This is a certified organically managed vineyard with practices increasingly moving toward biodynamic.Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800