2013 M. Chapoutier "La Mordor̩e" C̫te-R̫tie

(half of this fruit came from the C̫te Blonde and the other half from the C̫te Brune): Brilliant purple. Suave, expansive aromas of fresh blueberry, black raspberry, incense and candied flowers. Sweet, seamless and concentrated, offering intense dark fruit preserve and cola flavors and suggestions of licorice and spicecake that build with air. In a generous, fruit-forward style, but there's very good structure here as well. Sneaky tannins frame the energetic dark fruit on the very long, juicy finish. (JR)