Another superlative effort, Ogier's 2019 Cote Rotie La Belle Helene—a selection from the lieu-dit of C?te Rozier—boasts slightly lifted, herbal nuances on the nose, followed by masses of blackberry and blueberry fruit. Full-bodied, powerful, rich and creamy textured, it might be a tiny bit less complex than the La Cote Blonde but is still tightly impressive.

The hugely concentrated and rich 2018 Cote Rotie La Belle Helene is even more impressive this year than last. Cedar and baking spices accent ripe blackberries on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is impressively velvety and textured. It's maybe not as nuanced and charming as either the La Cote Blonde or Lancement bottlings but is impressive for its scale and power allied to a fine sense of balance.

Rich and plush, the 2017 Cote Rotie La Belle Helene is a full-bodied, hedonistic example of the appellation. Black cherries, espresso, cedar and dark chocolate notes dominate the nose and palate, framed by ripe, velvety tannins. This shows impressive power and concentration allied to generosity, texture and length, making it a true powerhouse. Give it several years in the cellar and drink it through 2040 or so.