Cassis flower and hints of black cherry, stone and warm earth blend seamlessly into the rich, full and refined medium full flavors that possess a seductive texture and excellent volume on the driving finish. The tannins are relatively fine and while there is a hint of tanginess, it comes across more as vibrancy than dryness.

Woodsy forest floor and cedar notes mingle with ripe blackberry on the nose and sumptuously rich palate of a Drouhin 2008 Corton Bressandes that reflects the grand cru status of this site, as too many wines of Corton fail to. Pungent spices and blond tobacco tinge liqueur-like black fruits in a finish of impressive length. This boasts a fine suffusion of tannin and I expect will merit 12-15 years of attention. - David Schildknecht