Michel Tardieu’s 2009 red Northern Rhone offerings still have a long wait in barrel before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. They all reveal deep colors as well as abundant concentration, structure and power. I thought the best cuvees were the Cornas, St.-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage and Hermitage. The Hermitage and Cornas appear capable of 15 or more years of evolution, and the Crozes-Hermitage and St.-Joseph should last at least a decade. The Cote Rotie Vieilles Vignes exhibited great fruit, but it was not a sensational wine in comparison with the other efforts.(Not yet released)Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St.-Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661

This is on the burly side, with cocoa and ganache notes followed by a hint of roasted chestnut, while dark currant, fig and coffee notes fill in behind them. There's a muscular feel on the finish, with lots of baker's chocolate lending a chunky feel for now, but cellaring should tame that well enough. Best from 2015 through 2030. 455 cases made, 40 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Hermitage Select to Add