J. Vidal-Fleury La Chatillonne Cote Rotie Cote Blonde 2010

A step up over the '09, the 2010 Cote Rotie Cote Blonde La Chatillonne (88% Syrah and 12% Viognier) gives up a fabulous bouquet of violets, rose petal, blackberry jam, game and hints of wild herbs that continues to develop in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and finesse driven on the palate, with a seamless texture, this gorgeous 2010 can be consumed now (preferably with a decant), or cellared for a decade or more.

Baking spice and a hint of black pepper frame plummy fruit aromas, while touches of leather and coffee sneak in on the palate. It's a medium-bodied red that incorporates a high proportion of Viognier into the blend (15%). The finishes brings hints of brown sugar and powdered cinnamon.