Cuilleron, Cote Rotie, Terres Sombres 2009

Glass-staining purple. A pungent, exotically perfumed bouquet displays blackberry, anise and smoky Indian spices, along with a building mineral overtone. Sappy, penetrating dark berry flavors are lifted by a lively mineral quality and pick up notes of bitter chocolate and vanilla with air. Firm and gripping on the finish, which leaves smoky spice and mineral notes behind; 70% new oak was used here.

• Reviewer Name: Josh Raynolds
• Review Date: December 2014