Big and spicy, with overt cinnamon and later coconut aromas to the fully oaked bouquet. The palate features can’t-miss cherry and blackberry, and also some licorice. A smooth and lengthy chocolate-tinged finish is the final act. Tight, firm and well oaked, with drying tannins. It’s the real deal and maybe more.

Offering up scents of white flowers, black olives, cassis, and roasted notes, it is a seamless effort with well-integrated acidity and tannin as well as a big, plush, concentrated style that will provide delicious up-front drinking.

Good bright, ruby-tinged red. Spicy aromas of currant, raspberry and woodsmoke. Fat, silky and full, with enticing sweetness. Very rich, fruity style, finishing with broad, sweet tannins and new oak notes of spice and caramel. Not especially vibrant but satisfying and long.

Chapoutier's La Mordoree cuvee is produced from 75-80-year old Syrah vines planted in both the Cote Blonde and Cote Brune, aged in 100% new oak casks, and bottled with neither fining nor filtration. The 2000 Cote Rotie La Mordoree is lighter and less concentrated than the 1999. The wine exhibits a deep plum color, but lacks substance compared to 1999 or 1998. Notes of tapenade, smoke, and earth are present, but the finish is short, with little grip and depth. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2012. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-89000