2011 Corbieres La Forge

Shockingly good, the 2011 Corbieres Boutenac La Forge is easily the creme of this lineup. A blend of Syrah and Carignan, it offers fabulous dark fruits, peppered meats, tobacco leaf and coffee bean in a medium to full-bodied, layered and awesomely textured package. Showing notable purity and fine, polished tannin, it can be enjoyed anytime over the coming decade. Former rugby player Gerard Bertrand has produced a solid lineup, with the top spots going to his two gorgeous 2011s from Corbieres. These wines show their oak elevage, yet balance it nicely with serious levels of texture and superb purity of fruit. You can count me as a fan. www.gerard-bertrand.com Imported by Gerard Bertrand USA Wine West LLC, Sausalito, CA; tel. (415) 331-4906