2015 Cote Rotie Les Rochains

Of the recent Bonnefond's, the 2015 Cote Rotie les Rochains perhaps comes closest to what this producer should be doing on a consistent basis. From Syrah vines planted in 1947, this blueberry and licorice-scented beauty is already drinking well, yet it should still be going strong in a decade. It's rich and velvety, with lingering savory notes of black olive on the finish.

(25% new oak) Inky ruby. Powerful red/blue fruit, smoky bacon, vanilla and licorice aromas are sharpened by black pepper and mineral notes. Concentrated blueberry, Chambord and spicecake flavors show outstanding clarity and a sexy floral nuance. Smoothly blends depth and energy and finishes extremely long and sappy, with fine-grained tannins framing the densely packed, juicy fruit.

Lastly, the 2015 Côte Rôtie Les Rochains is another terrific red from this estate. Full-bodied, nicely concentrated, ripe and polished, it too has a slightly modern style as well as notes of cassis, toasted spices, and toasty oak. Drink it anytime over the coming 10-15 years. All three of these Côte Rôties from Bonnefond showed beautifully. While the Côte Rozier and Les Rochains have a touch of obvious oak, they have classic, age-worthy profiles.