Winery - Domaine Courbis
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Very fruit-forward and lush, especially considering the generally tannic nature of the 2005 vintage in the northern Rhône. Minerally notes accent red cherries and plums, with just a touch of toast and vanilla in the background. Drink now–2015.
0 out of 0 people thought this note was helpful.
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
From old vines dating back to before World War II (in a warm portion of the appellation), this is a wonderfully fruity and supple Cornas. Loads of fresh raspberries burst from the glass, but give it some time and spice and mineral complexities begin to emerge. Drink now–2015.
0 out of 0 people thought this note was helpful.
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is Courbis’s luxury cuvée, but this reviewer preferred the regular bottling for its floral freshness. This seems to be verging on overripe, with prune notes. It’s rich and creamy on the palate, but lacks zip. Drink now.
0 out of 0 people thought this note was helpful.
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Easily marries smoky notes from new oak with minerally aromas, then layers on incredibly creamy-textured red cherry-berry fruit, dense and rich. Supple tannins provide focus on the long finish. Drink 2010–2020.
0 out of 0 people thought this note was helpful.
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Bursting with scents of honey and toast, this is a broad, moderately rich example of Marsanne. There’s a bit of apricot, and also toasted cereal grains, lingering elegantly on the finish. Drink now.
0 out of 0 people thought this note was helpful.
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Especially floral—something this reviewer is a sucker for—with hints of rose petals gracing ground pepper and blackberries. Tastes almost floral as well, as it seems to float ephemerally on the palate yet shows some creamy weight at the same time. Drink now–2012.
0 out of 0 people thought this note was helpful.
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Makes a splashy entrance, flashing hints of smoke, toast and vanilla, but there’s a firm core of mineral and spice at the heart of this wine that will need some time to emerge. Right now the texture is rich, the red fruit forward, but the wine finishes a bit tough and crisp. Drink 2010–2018.
0 out of 0 people thought this note was helpful.
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A blend of barrel-fermented and tank-fermented wines, this is a fresh, crisp rendition of Saint-Joseph, combining pear fruit with stony minerality. Yet it also has a pleasant mealy texture and obvious substance. A blend of 95% Marsanne and 5% Roussanne. Drink now–2010.
0 out of 0 people thought this note was helpful.
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A tour de force from the 2004 vintage, combining the floral and spice hallmarks of the year’s moderate temperatures with deftly polished structure and weight. Raspberry and blackberry flavors are bold and rich, while the tannins are strong yet supple. Drink–through 2020.
0 out of 0 people thought this note was helpful.
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
An interesting wine that combines slightly herbal notes with confected, fruity ones in a harmonious way. Pepper and crushed red fruits are carried on a creamy texture, punctuated by crisp acids and firm tannins on the finish. Drink 2008-2015.
0 out of 0 people thought this note was helpful.
