2015 Nicolas Serrette Cornas Les Saveaux

Opaque ruby. Deep-pitched cassis, cherry pit, olive and licorice aromas are sharpened by a suggestion of cracked pepper. Rich and expansive on the palate, offering bitter cherry, dark berry, cola and fruitcake flavors that pick up a smoky nuance on the back half. Shows the power of the vintage to good effect but comes off energetic as well. Dusty tannins add shape and grip to the impressively long, dark-fruit-driven finish, which leaves a suggestion of star anise behind.