2016 - Cote Rotie Brocarde, Christophe Billon

Vivid purple. Intense blackberry, cherry preserve, licorice pastille, bacon and vanilla scents are complemented by building floral and mineral topnotes. Seamless, sweet and broad on the palate, offering densely packed, smoke-tinged black and blue fruit liqueur, cherry cola and violet pastille flavors and a suggestion of exotic spices. Finishes with repeating mineral, smoke and floral character, youthfully firm tannins and strong tenacity. All new oak.

Still in barrel, the 2016 Cote Rotie La Brocarde shows some vanilla and cedar shadings but not enough to overpower its bold aromas of cracked pepper, black olives and blackberries. It's full-bodied and rich, with a plush, velvety mouthfeel and long finish. Pretty heady, intense stuff.