2015 Domaine Courbis, Cornas, Les Eygats

Even inkier-colored than the Sabarotte, the 2015 Cornas les Eygats is another single vineyard release that comes from a site located on the northern edge of the appellation. Aged in 50% new French oak (the balance is in once-used barrels), it offers sensational notes of plums, blueberries, crushed violets, pen ink and barbecue smoke in an utterly profound, decadent, layered, heavenly profile. There's ample tannin here, but they're sweet and polished, and it has an awesome finish. Don't miss it!

Ripe and well-built, with a core of raspberry, blackberry and plum pâte de fruit flavors still coiled up, while graphite, anise and tar notes hold sway for now. Has excellent drive and energy, and will be a winner when the elements meld fully. JM

Deep ruby. Powerful blackberry, licorice and exotic spice aromas, along with floral pastille, olive and smoky mineral flourishes. Broad and seamless in the mouth, offering sweet cassis, boysenberry and cola flavors that tighten up slowly on the back half. Smoothly plays richness off finesse and finishes impressively long and sappy, featuring harmonious tannins and a lingering touch of smokiness.

Loads of floral character and rich, succulent blackberry fruit. Fresh, perfumed, much more satisfying and complete than their Champelrose. Incredibly lengthy. Absolutely wonderful and broad – stretches across the back palate. Superb. (RH)