As shocking as it seems, the 2010 Cotes du Ventoux Cuvee Persia (90/10 Syrah and Mourvedre) reminded me of Jean Louis Chave's Hermitage, from a cooler, granite year. Aged all in new barrels and foudre, it has sensational minerality in its darker fruits, crushed flowers and graphite aromas and flavors. This gives way to a medium to full-bodied, focused, elegant and ultra pure 2010 that has fine tannin, excellent concentration and a big finish. It's a sensational wine. Put this in a brown bag at your next northern Rhone tasting and shock your friends. - Jeb Dunnuck