2005 Domaine Stéphane Ogier Côte-Rôtie La Belle Helene

The polar opposite of the perfumed, elegant and nuanced Lancement cuvee, the blockbuster styled 2005 Cote Rotie Belle Helene has overflowing notes of smoked meats, peppery herbs, licorice, scorched earth and decadent dark fruits. Thick, unctuous, full-bodied and massively endowed, this superstar Cote Rotie won’t hit full maturity for another 4-6 years, and will keep for 10-15 years after that.

Deep ruby. Intensely floral dark berry aromas, complemented by Asian spices and musky underbrush. Powerful, deeply concentrated cherry and cassis flavors display an unlikely elegance, along with a supple texture and impressive mineral snap on the close. The finish goes on endlessly, repeating the sweet dark fruit and spice flavors. Less elegant than the Lancement but with an extra degree of depth.

Inky ruby. Deep kirsch and blackberry aromas perked up by a pungent floral quality. Suave, velvety and sweet, with deep dark fruit flavors, a rich texture and round tannins. The finish offers breathtaking persistence of dark berry flavors. This is made from the estate's oldest vines in Cote-Rozier; just over a third of the stems were retained.