We finished the tasting with small vertical of Stephan’s C?te R?tie Fortis, which is distinctly different than the Les Grandes Places, coming from the estates 2.6 hectares in the southern part of the appellation, blended with upwards of 12% Viognier, and aged in slightly less new oak. Both the 2011 and 2012 were reviewed in Issue 216, and I’ve just included the 2010 and 2009 here. Looking first at the 2010, it’s an awesome wine that has a more rounded, voluptuous and textured feel than the more masculine, burly Les Grandes Places release. Cassis, violets, spring flowers and hints of bacon all soar from this full-bodied, sexy, beautifully balanced C?te R?tie. Incredibly pure, seamless and lengthy, enjoy it anytime over the coming decade or more.