3 | Wine | France, Languedoc Roussillon, $20 to $50

"A dark red almost opaque color to the wine coats the glass and drifts down the sides slowly after the swirl. Aromas of ripe crushed cherries intertwined with seasoned French oak dominate the nose and lead gently into an enormous entry. Ripe strawberries and bruised watermelon front the structured mid palate which bursts with bright acidity and subtle briar fruits. The finish is long, concentrated and lasting."

"The nose opened up to a scrubby and resinous amalgam of juniper, marjoram, and rosemary, along with concentrated black fruits and hints of tar. This firm but expansive cuvee (as usual, of Grenache with ca. 25-30% Carignan) displays practically adhesive finishing character, sticky but not in the sense of sweetness. Fine tannins add to the impression of formidable density in a wine that almost seems to be struggling to come to terms with its sheer concentration. I don't find the juiciness let alone the energy displayed by the corresponding Orchis (from higher elevation, in the so-called Coume du Roi). Although bottling was due to take place as usual without filtration, Tribouley had elected to postpone it at least through spring, so that the wine might passively shed some of its reduction to become more expressive." 90-91+ pts.

"Extracted aromas of crushed cherry and spring rhubarb pie are delicately framed by seasoned french oak. The entry is vibrant and powerful which leads to luscious flavors of wild strawberry that perfectly rounds out the mid-palate. Ripe blackberry and blueberry notes coalesce to form an intense and lasting finish."

"As usual, from southwest-facing Grenache vineyards and aged in used barriques, the Coume del Mas 2010 Banyuls Galateo - tasted from tank - is distinctively buttery in texture as well as flatteringly glycerin-rich. Black raspberry confiture laced with vanilla and caramel picks up a mouthwatering and extremely welcome streak of salinity, which along with hints of berry skin and bitter dark chocolate make for a highly-stimulating, not to mention long, finish."