Classy and sexy, thick and full-bodied red from the Northern Rhone, ripe and rich. Maintains a racy elegance and an un-oaky decorum that leave room for the terroir to show. Delivers deeply satisfying aromas and flavors that include wet earth, blackberry, toasted oak, spicy mocha, milled coffee notes and crushed black pepper, with a creamy yet intense finish that fans out with all the flavors. Brilliant now, it can only improve in the cellar given its impeccable balance. Best from 2003 through 2010. -PM