2014 L'Aventure Cote A Cote

Brilliant ruby. Sexy, highly perfumed aromas of raspberry liqueur, smoky minerals and pungent flowers, given spiciness by a peppery nuance. Sappy, sweet and seamless in texture, showing strong lift and cut to the red fruit and floral pastille flavors. At once rich and lively, displaying impressive clarity and power on the impressively long, gently tannic, spice-accented finish.

Looking at the 2014s, these are serious wines that are reminiscent of Stephan's sensational 2012s (which were some of the top rated wines in the vintage). The 2014 Cote a Cote is 50% Grenache, 28% Mourvedre and 22% Syrah, all from the limestone soils of the estate L'Aventure vineyard. Deep, full-bodied, gorgeously layered and with plenty of fine tannin, this big, rich 2014 is loaded with notions of cassis, toasted spice, peppery herbs and graphite. Still backwards and tight, yet loaded with potential, give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy over the following decade. Aug 2016, www.robertparker.com