A ripe modern styled Côtes du Rhône that comes from pebble and clay soils located north of the town of Courthézon the 2009 Terre d'Argile is a blend of equal parts Grenache Syrah and Mourvèdre that has the Syrah and Mourvèdre aged in small barrels (1/3 new) and the Grenache in vat. Despite the stint in oak it is more the upfront powerful ripeness that gives this cuvee its modern slant as the oak is barely discernable. Displaying first-rate aromatics of ripe blackberry licorice loamy earth spice cabinet and hints of minerality this medium to full-bodied fleshy wine delivers gorgeous levels of texture a balanced clean feel and ripe tannin on the finish. Very well done and a solid combination of upfront fruit and underlying balance and poise this should continue to shine for upwards of a decade.

The 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Terre d'Argile is sensational. Notes of black currants and cherries as well as hints of charcoal truffle new saddle leather and earth all jump from the glass of this blend of 70% Grenache and the rest mostly Mourvedre with a touch of Carignan. Aged completely in foudres and older small barrels it is dense ruby/purple full-bodied opulent and ideal for drinking over the next 5-6 years.