2015 Cote Rotie Les Fortis

Vivid purple. Mineral-accented black/blue fruit, olive and pungent flowers on the deeply perfumed nose. Impressively concentrated, expansive flavors of blueberry and candied violet are complicated by licorice and dark chocolate qualities that build on the back half. Sweet and broad on the finish, which shows solid thrust and round, harmonious tannins.

The 2015 Côte Rôtie Fortis is mind-blowing stuff and rivals the 2010. Made with a big chunk of Viognier, it offers loads of floral and peach marmalade notes as well as awesome black and blue fruits, wet stone, and violets aromas and flavors. This puppy is full-bodied and massive on the palate, with a thick, opulent texture, yet it never seems heavy or cumbersome, has incredible purity, ripe tannin and a great, great finish. This tour de force can be enjoyed anytime over the coming two decades or more.

Saturated ruby. Intense, smoke-accented blue fruit and floral pastille scents, along with suggestions of star anise, olive and cracked pepper. Sweet and seamless in texture, offering palate-coating blueberry and cherry liqueur flavors that are energized by an undercurrent of juicy acidity. Plays power off finesse with a deft hand and finishes very long and smooth, with sneaky tannins lending gentle grip.