Opaque purple. Deeply pitched aromas of cherry pit, blackberry, licorice and woodsmoke. Broad, palate-coating dark fruit flavors show liqueur-like depth and power, with by slow-building minerality providing lift. Very rich but surprisingly lithe, with strong finishing thrust and harmonious tannins that add grip. This impressively powerful, well-balanced wine should age slowly.

Absolute pure gold in Côte Rôtie, the 2009 Côte Rôtie La Belle Hélène reveals a still youthful ruby/plum hue with a sensational bouquet of ripe black fruits, smoked meats, chocolate, graphite, and ground pepper. Full-bodied, extravagantly textured, deep, and opulent, it stays flawlessly balanced and has a weighty mouthfeel, silky tannins, and a finish that won't quit. It's dramatically different than the more chiseled, focused 2010 and is as sexy and silky as they come. Flawlessly balanced, layered, and mind-boggling good, this legendary Côte Rôtie can be enjoyed any time over the coming two decades. This is a legendary Cote Rotie that everyone should taste at least once in their life.

Wine Advocate December, 2012 The 2009 Cote Rotie La Belle Helene is another perfect wine. Made in a completely different style than the more structured, mineral-laced 2010, the 2009 is a flamboyant, exuberant effort with nearly over-the-top ripeness and fruit. However, it is extremely supple, sexy and bursting with complexity, revealing notes of truffles, graphite, black raspberries, espresso roast, spice box, tapenade and bouquet garni. The wine’s richness, full-bodied, massive fruit impact and 50-second finish are amazing.