The opaque black-colored 2010 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes is followed by notes of creme de cassis, barbecue smoke, graphite, spring flowers and grilled meat. With superb concentration, acidity, extract and richness as well as a boatload of tannin to shed, it will need 10-15 years of cellaring and should keep for half a century. (Not yet released)Another great negociant with significant vineyard holdings, and at the top of their game, is undeniably Delas, owned by the Louis Roederer/Deutz Champagne firm. Since they acquired Delas well over a decade ago, this firm has been under the management of Burgundian Jacques Grange, who has done an outstanding job producing a sensational array of wines. The 2009s appear to be their finest overall performances to date, and the 2010s are noteworthy successors in a more restrained, mineral dominated, crisper style. Jacques Grange did a fabulous job with his Cote Roties in both 2009 and 2010, the latter being a somewhat more challenging vintage in this appellation. The Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes (until the 2009 vintage, this offering was known as the Hermitage Marquise de la Tourette) is sensational in both 2010 and 2009. Three thousand cases of this cuvee are produced, and the wine is aged in French oak, 50% new.Importer: Maison Marques et Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000

The 2010 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes is an incredible wine that's only eclipsed by the 2009 Domaine des Tourettes. The 2010 is inky colored, concentrated and full-bodied, yet also elegant and seamless, with terrific complexity in its blackcurrant, saddle leather, cured meats, toasted bread and graphite aromas and flavors. Given its overall purity and freshness, as well as sweet tannin, it's actually a beautiful drink even today, yet it should be at its finest from 2020-2040.