2006 Cote Rotie

Saturated ruby. Sexy bouquet of red berry and cherry preserves, with incense and potpourri qualities adding complexity. Deep, sweet and velvety, with powerful raspberry and cassis flavors, supple tannins and slow-building anise and graphite notes. Extremely fresh, with excellent finishing lift and cut.

From Lancement: Spicy redcurrant and strawberry, with an overlay of rose and lavender and impressive sappy texture. Quite sweet but focused. "For floral character; never a monster," notes Jamet. From Gerine: Dark cherry and licorice, with a smoky mocha quality. More grip and power, with deep bitter cherry and licorice flavors. Finishes with a jolt of minerality. From Chavaroche: Exotically perfumed scents of raspberry, violet, rose and smoky bacon. Vivid red fruits on the palate, with slow-building tannins that remain supple. From Leyat and Cote Baudin, with a bit of Moutonnes: Smoky mineral and red fruit aromas. Brisk, mineral-drenched raspberry and wild strawberry flavors. Bitter cherry and bacon on the firm, stony finish. From Fongeant and Le Plomb ("Fongeant for perfume and Plomb for structure"): Elegant, precise red berry and violet aromas, turning darker with air. Bitter cherry and sweet mocha on the palate, with a seductive spiciness. From Mornachon: Wild, vaguely rude aromas remind me of grilled andouillette, but thankfully with a dark cherry sauce. Turns brighter with air, offering redcurrant and strawberry flavors and a zesty finish. "This gives backbone to the blend." offers Jamet. From Landonne and Moutonnes: Highly perfumed, fresh scents of spicy red berries and minerals. Sweet red fruit preserve flavors are firmed by silky tannins. "Moutonnes can sometimes be very tannic and in need of polishing," noted Jamet.