Straight-up sexy, the 2018 Cote A Cote is a Grenache-dominated blend that includes 26% Mourvèdre and 23% Syrah, all aged in 35% new French oak. Stunning notes of black raspberries, ground pepper, Asian spices, and candied violets all flow to a full-bodied, concentrated wine that reminds me of a great vintage of Domaine de la Janasse's Châteauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes cuvée. It shows more chalky minerality with time in the glass and is pure, seamless, and beautifully put together. Drink it over the coming 10-12 years.

Dark, shimmering ruby. A highly perfumed, expansive bouquet evokes ripe red/blue fruits, along with suggestions of licorice, mocha, pungent flowers and smoky minerals. Concentrated, palate-staining blueberry, cherry cola and candied lavender flavors are given spine and lift by a core of juicy acidity. The mineral and floral notes drive a strikingly persistent finish that leaves cherry liqueur and exotic spice notes behind.