2015 Jaboulet, Paul Domaine Roure

The 2015 reds from the Northern Rhône are truly spectacular and this vintage rivals or surpasses the 2010s and 2009s. Possibly the best vintage to date—which could be said for a number of these cuvées in 2015—the 2015 Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Roure is loaded with notions of cassis and blackberry fruit intermixed with undeniable granite-like minerality, graphite and spring flower aromas and flavors. This ripe, full-bodied, deep and layered wine packs plenty of fruit while still showing the elegance and finesse that this estate is known for.

Opaque ruby. An assertively scented, complex bouquet features mineral-accented boysenberry, cherry liqueur, licorice and smoky mineral aromas that expand with air. Stains the palate with sweet, dense black and blue fruit, spicecake and candied violet flavors that show a surprisingly graceful touch thanks to a spine of juicy acidity. Velvety, slow-mounting tannins shape a broad, smoke-laced finish that hangs on with superb, floral-driven persistence. (Josh Raynolds)

I loved 2015 Crozes-Hermitage Domaine De Roure, which offers a firm, structured, yet impressive style. Black raspberries, graphite, scorched earth and plenty of minerality emerge from the glass and it has building tannin and a concentrated, full-bodied, layered palate. Give it 2-3 years and it will last for another 10-15.