Saturated ruby. Spice- and smoke-accented aromas of cherry and blackberry, along with a hint of licorice in the background. Juicy and pliant in the mouth, offering dark fruit preserve and violet pastille flavors and hints of smoky bacon, olive and bitter chocolate. Finishes spicy and quite long, with a repeating licorice note and harmonious tannins adding subtle grip. -- Josh Raynolds

This has vibrant, lush fruit and remarkably grippy tannins. It’s very ripe but still fresh and very concentrated for an IGP. Keep for a year or two if possible. ‘Rich but with enough tannin to absorb some of the power,’ says Pierre Rostaing. A great value option for lovers of Côte-Rôtie on a budget. From 3 plots around Saint-Cyr, two-thirds whole cluster.