2005 Domaine Clusel-Roch Côte-Rôtie Les Grandes Places

Inky ruby. Impressively perfumed aromas of ripe boysenberry and candied cherry, along with smoky floral and mineral qualities. Palate-staining dark fruit flavors are almost shockingly vibrant, thanks to excellent mineral cut and sneaky floral pastille character. Dusty tannins add grip to the long, sweet finish. A wonderfully balanced wine, and sure to repay cellaring.

CS. Darker, more intense colour. Very sweet and rich and intense and opulent on the nose but it doesn’t seem sickly sweet (unlike Duclaux). There is energy here. Rather vivacious and lifted though very dry on the finish. Wait! (JR)

Ruby with a bright rim. Mineral-driven blackberry and boysenberry aromas are complicated by a distinct graphite note and a subtle hint of pungent flowers. Firm, sharply focused dark berry flavors display excellent depth and purity. A refreshingly brisk, vibrant example of Cote-Rotie, finishing with harmonious tannins, outstanding cut and excellent length.