The two 2009 St.-Joseph cuvees I tasted are both seductive, appealing wines. More seriously endowed and richer, with more tannin as well as low acidity and oodles of black cherry and black currant fruit is the deep ruby/purple-colored 2009 St.-Joseph Les Reyes. Medium body, abundant fruit and light tannins suggest it will drink nicely for 7-10 years. Two brilliant vintages from Domaine Courbis include the more forward 2009s and the equally fine 2010s, which will require considerable patience. The 2010s have slightly higher acids, which tends to make the tannins more noticeable, but they are also extremely concentrated, with massive palate impressions. It is often said that Cornas is made for those with 19th century palates, but Courbis has tamed the uncivilized ruggedness and wilder aspects of Cornas, resulting in huge wines, but undeniably Cornas.Importer: Russell Herman, Berkeley Heights, NJ; tel. (908) 771-9082

The two 2009 Saint-Joseph cuvées I tasted are both seductive, appealing wines. More seriously endowed and richer, with more tannin as well as low acidity and oodles of black cherry and black currant fruit is the deep ruby/purple-colored 2009 Saint Joseph Les Royes. Medium body, abundant fruit and light tannins suggest it will drink nicely for 7-10 years. Two brilliant vintages from Domaine Courbis include the more forward 2009s and the equally fine 2010s, which will require considerable patience. The 2010s have slightly higher acids, which tends to make the tannins more noticeable, but they are also extremely concentrated, with massive palate impressions. It is often said that Cornas is made for those with 19th-century palates, but Courbis has tamed the uncivilized ruggedness and wilder aspects of Cornas, resulting in huge wines but undeniably Cornas. Importer: Russell Herman, Berkeley Heights, NJ; tel. (908) 771-9082