5 | Wine | Cotes Du Rhone, 91 or higher, 750 ml

"Intense, smoke- and spice-accented aromas of dark berries and cherry, along with powerful licorice and floral qualities. Broad, deeply pitched blackberry and cherry compote flavors stain the palate, showing surprising vivacity. Finishes with slow-mounting tannins and impressive persistence, leaving a licorice note behind."

"Another winner is the 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cuvee des Galets Plan de Dieu. Fashioned from 45-65 year old vines, this unfiltered blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre is a killer value. It boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as stunning aromas of kirsch liqueur, licorice, camphor, tobacco leaf and underbrush. Spicy, peppery and loaded with fruit, this medium to full-bodied red is another crowd-pleasing, classic example of Provencal viticulture that should age nicely for 4-5 years."-Robert Parker

"The 2010 Cotes du Rhone Le Cros (100% Syrah) is a strong example of this often maligned varietal in the southern Rhone. A dense purple color is followed by scents of blackberries, acacia flowers and licorice offered in a deep, full-bodied style. Still primary in its aromas and flavors, it tastes more like a barrel sample than a bottled wine."-Robert Parker

"A warm ganache aroma gives way to a mouthcoating core of linzer torte, steeped blackberry and anise, all carried by smoldering black tea and graphite on the long finish, where this stays very fresh and racy, despite its weight."