In the same ballpark and exotic and perfumed, the 2003 Cote Rotie Terres Sombres offers a classic, mature profile with pretty raspberry, incense, pepper, ground herbs and sugar cured meats on the nose. Medium-bodied, lively and fresh, it has juicy acidity and a clean, nicely focused finish. While there’s some maturity here, it should continue to drink nicely for another 4-5 years. These are two outstanding 2003s from winemaker Yves Cuilleron.

The Terres Sombres cuvee is usually sourced from such northern vineyard sites as Rosier and Rochains. The 2003 Cote Rotie Terres Sombres exhibits elevated acidity, which I suspect was zealously added early in the wine’s vinification ... probably not a smart decision. Nevertheless, it comes across as very drinkable, offering a deep plum/ruby color as well as sweet notes of bacon fat, dried herbs, licorice, and pain grille. Give this tasty Cote Rotie 1-2 more years of bottle age and enjoy it over the following decade.Importer: Rosenthal Wine Merchant Ltd., Pine Plains, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990