Indulge in the compelling experience of Bernard Burgaud Cote Rotie 2010, a handcrafted French wine known for its incredible depth and charisma. A product of the eminent Rhone Valley, this well-aged fine wine is the masterpiece of renowned winemaker, Bernard Burgaud, who ardently upholds the traditional winemaking processes.

Grown in iron-rich vineyards that lend the grapes their resilient character, Bernard Burgaud Cote Rotie 2010 benefits from the meticulous vinification, including a fermentation period sustained for almost three weeks. The wine is then matured in oak barrels for nearly 24 months, culminating in the creation of a profound and layered vintage.

With its seductive notes of black cherries, smoked earth, and a hint of spice, the Bernard Burgaud Cote Rotie 2010 is nothing less than a sensory delight. A testament to Burgaud's exceptional expertise, this wine is an opulent embodiment of the prestigious Cote Rotie terroir.

Vinous (91)

(mostly grenache, with mourvedre, syrah and cinsault): Saturated ruby. Blackberry, cherry and lavender on the intensely perfumed, spicy nose and in the mouth. Deep and expansive, with impressive back-end punch and slow-building smokiness. The spice and floral notes carry through a long, sweet, gently tannic finish. Decant this one if you can't resist opening a bottle now.

Cave Tain Hermitage Epsilon 2010 is an exquisite wine produced by Cave de Tain, located in the heart of the famed Rhône Valley in South East France. This single vineyard Syrah offers a tight blend of elegance and power, with its intense purple hue reflecting the rich, full-bodied flavours. Produced from vines averaging 60 years of age ensures an unrivalled concentration and complexity, enhanced by the aging process in oak barrels for 18 months. Expect a fruit-forward palate with dark berry characteristics, underlined by subtle, spicy undertones and a lengthy finish.

Cave de Tain's reputation for crafting fine wines from Hermitage appellation is evident in the Cave Tain Hermitage Epsilon 2010. The vineyard's ideal southwestern exposure and unique granite terraces give the Epsilon 2010 its distinctive character. Savour this exceptional expression from one of Rhône Valley's most celebrated producers.

Wine Advocate (100)

The 2010 Ermitage l’Ermite (454 cases produced) is another perfect wine. Completely different than Le Pavillon, l’Ermite is always slightly more austere. It comes from a 7.5-acre parcel of sandy, granitic soils at the top of the Hill of Hermitage that produces both red and white compelling Hermitages, somewhat unusual in this tiny appellation. The black/purple-colored 2010 l’Ermite exhibits a tight, more mineral-dominated set of aromatics offering up hints of blue and black fruits, charcoal, steak tartare and an unmistakable floral note. This full-bodied, more austere and tannic effort reveals extraordinary weight, palate penetration and purity. It represents the concentrated essence of a specific site as well as the Syrah grape planted in this magical appellation. Forgot it for 10-15 years, possibly two decades, and drink it over the following 50-75 years.

Vinous (93)

Bright red. Heady aromas of candied red fruits, cherry pit and anise, with a suave floral note emerging with aeration. Rich but lively, offering sharply focused bitter cherry and raspberry flavors that are given spine by juicy acidity. Fine-grained tannins give grip to the persistent finish, which strongly echoes the cherry note.

Wine Advocate (93+)

More backwards and concentrated, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape has rocking mid-palate depth and length on the palate. Giving up ample dark fruit, kirsch, pepper, leather and big minerality, this beauty will see its 15th birthday in fine form.

Wine Advocate (100)

Deeper and richer, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus ex Machina has been nothing short of perfection on the 3-4 times I’ve been lucky enough to try it. Muscular and powerful, with a serious, full-bodied profile, it gives up incredible aromas and flavors of creme de cassis, licorice, graphite, beef blood and loamy earth. Like most 2010s at this stage, it’s backwards and dense, and needs to be forgotten for another couple of years. This beauty will have 2-3 decades of overall longevity.

Wine Advocate (98)

Up with some of the greatest Cote Roties out there is Delas's 2010 Cote Rotie la Landonne. Revealing an inky purple color as well as an incredible perfume of spring flowers, violets, black raspberries, graphite and Asian spice, it has drop-dead gorgeous purity, full-bodied richness and a seamless, layered texture that fails to completely cover the wine's underlying tannic grip. Made from 100% Syrah and aged 16 months in new French oak, hide bottles in the cellar for another 4-5 years and enjoy them over the following three decades.

Wine Advocate (96+)

The 2010 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes is an incredible wine that's only eclipsed by the 2009 Domaine des Tourettes. The 2010 is inky colored, concentrated and full-bodied, yet also elegant and seamless, with terrific complexity in its blackcurrant, saddle leather, cured meats, toasted bread and graphite aromas and flavors. Given its overall purity and freshness, as well as sweet tannin, it's actually a beautiful drink even today, yet it should be at its finest from 2020-2040.

Wine Advocate (99+)

I can’t say the same thing about the 2010 Cornas, as it’s crazily backwards, concentrated and structured, and needs some bottle age to round into form. Nevertheless, the incredible quality is present in its purity, focus, full-bodied richness and awesome finish. Give it another 3-4 years and enjoy it over the following 15-20 years (if not more).

Vinous (92)

Bright yellow. Aromas and flavors of fresh pit fruits, honey and orange peel. Taut and stony, offering terrific clarity and lift. Closes zesty and long, with resonating minerality and a sneaky floral quality. As usual, this is an intriguing, highly complex southern Rhone white wine that significantly over-delivers for its category.

Vinous (92)

Vivid red. Spicy raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by incense, lavender and pungent herbs. Pliant red fruit flavors are deepened by candied licorice and bitter chocolate, with bright acidity adding lift. The tightly focused, energetic, impressively persistent finish leaves tangy mineral and bitter cherry skin notes behind.

Vinous (92)

Vivid red. Spicy raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by incense, lavender and pungent herbs. Pliant red fruit flavors are deepened by candied licorice and bitter chocolate, with bright acidity adding lift. The tightly focused, energetic, impressively persistent finish leaves tangy mineral and bitter cherry skin notes behind.

Wine Advocate (99)

More closed than when I tasted it earlier this year, the 2010 Cote Rotie Chateau d’Ampuis is an incredible effort that’s made from 93% Syrah and 7% Viognier. Coming from the estate’s top sites and aged 38 months in new oak, it has no problem standing beside the top three single-vineyard releases. Crème de cassis, vanilla bean, smoked meats and licorice all flow to a full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, structured Cote Rotie that needs another 5-6 years of bottle age, but will keep for 2-3 decades.

Wine Advocate (99)

More closed than when I tasted it earlier this year, the 2010 Cote Rotie Chateau d’Ampuis is an incredible effort that’s made from 93% Syrah and 7% Viognier. Coming from the estate’s top sites and aged 38 months in new oak, it has no problem standing beside the top three single-vineyard releases. Crème de cassis, vanilla bean, smoked meats and licorice all flow to a full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, structured Cote Rotie that needs another 5-6 years of bottle age, but will keep for 2-3 decades.

Wine Advocate (100)

A wine that's certainly not for those seeking instant gratification, the 2010 Cote Rotie la Landonne is a powerhouse Cote Rotie that offers up deep, masculine notes of crushed rocks, smoked meats, game, espresso and assorted dark cassis and currant-like fruit. Full-bodied, tight, structured and backward, with fabulous mid-palate density and length, it needs to be forgotten in the cellar for a decade, but will have 40-50 years of overall longevity.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

As with the 2009, the 2010 Côte Rôtie La Turque represents the pinnacle of red wine and, in this reviewer’s opinion, couldn’t be any better. A dense purple color is followed by a powerful, masculine wine that has textbook ripe blackberry and cassis fruits interwoven with gorgeous floral, gamey, bloody, and exotic aromas and flavors. It’s concentrated, full-bodied, and multi-dimensional on the palate, with sweet, polished tannins, and a massive finish. It’s just now at the early stages of its drink window and have another 30 years of prime drinking ahead!

Wine Advocate (100)

The 2010 Hermitage Ex Voto continues to top out on my scale. This extraordinary Hermitage has more minerality and delineation than the 2009, as well as overflowing aromas and flavors of creme de cassis, jammy blackberries, violets, graphite and wood smoke. Massively concentrated, full-bodied, decadent, layered and sexy, it needs short-term cellaring but should be just about immortal in the cellar.

Wine Advocate (100)

Pure perfection, the 2010 Hermitage reminds Jean-Louis Chave of their 1990. It appears to be a richer, fresher example of what I remember the 1990 tasting like in 1992. The wine exhibits an opaque purple color along with an extraordinary bouquet of sweet blackberry fruit intermixed with creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, acacia flowers, bouquet garni, meat and crushed rocks. Full-bodied and stunningly rich with laser-like precision, this is a powerful, massive yet exceptionally well-balanced wine that should be forgotten for a decade and drunk over the following 30-40 years.

Wine Advocate (100)

Pure perfection, the 2010 Hermitage reminds Jean-Louis Chave of their 1990. It appears to be a richer, fresher example of what I remember the 1990 tasting like in 1992. The wine exhibits an opaque purple color along with an extraordinary bouquet of sweet blackberry fruit intermixed with creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, acacia flowers, bouquet garni, meat and crushed rocks. Full-bodied and stunningly rich with laser-like precision, this is a powerful, massive yet exceptionally well-balanced wine that should be forgotten for a decade and drunk over the following 30-40 years.

Vinous (93)

Inky ruby. A heady, complex bouquet evokes candied red and dark berries, potpourri, sandalwood and Asian spices. Sappy, penetrating and pure, with impressive depth to its sweet black raspberry and cherry flavors. The floral quality comes back strong on the finish, which features subtle tannins and intense red fruit and spicecake flavors. Here's a Rasteau that could stand up to many of the best Chateauneufs of the vintage.

Jeb Dunnuck (98-100)

Even better and a monumental wine in the making, the profound 2010 Les Cailloux Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Centenaire (tasted just prior to bottling) smells of a Provencal street market and offers up gorgeous aromas kirsch, raspberry, dried flowers, spice-box, roasted meats, and licorice on the nose. Coming from a single plot of very old Grenache (there is a touch of Mourvedre in the blend) and aged all in tank, this exuberant, hedonistic-bent Châteauneuf-du-Pape is full-bodied on the palate and delivers a voluptuous, mouth filling texture, brilliant concentration, and a blockbuster finish. Eclipsing the ’07 and up there with the ’90 (I think even better), this is monumental stuff that every Châteauneuf-du-Pape lover needs to have in the cellar!

Vinous (92)

(made from two-thirds grenache and one-third syrah): Opaque ruby. Heady scents of red berry preserves, lavender, anise and sandalwood, lifted by a peppery topnote. Offers intense, palate-staining raspberry and cherry-cola flavors that gain weight with air. Impressively lively and pure on the persistent finish, which features gentle tannins and a late note of bitter chocolate.

Wine Advocate (93)

The 2010 Crozes-Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert, which I raved about last year, is slightly better than their brilliant 2009. It boasts a dense purple color along with a beautiful perfume of camphor, licorice, forest floor, black currants and Christmas fruitcake. With tremendous intensity, full body and supple tannins, it should drink well for 10-15 years, perhaps longer where well-stored. This cuvee is always one of the best buys in the Northern Rhone.

Decanter (98)

This legendary estate is now owned by the Frey family, who have returned it and its wines to greatness. The wine is 100% Syrah from 60-year-old vines planted around the chapelle on the hill of Hermitage. The colour has barely changed since its youth, and the nose remains remarkably youthful with intense black fruits and a hint of floral perfume. The palate is dominated by a welter of morello cherry, damson, cream, coffee, spice, ink and violets. It possesses extraordinary balance with juxtaposing acidity and ripe, polished tannins. The small amount of new oak has been completely subsumed by the fruit, and it's both elegant and sturdy - a great thoroughbred built for the long haul. It's delicious now but will become even more so over then next two or three decades.

Vinous (97)

Saturated ruby. Ripe, mineral-accented black raspberry, smoked game, candied flowers, garrigue and incense on the intensely perfumed nose. Velvety, sweet and concentrated; deep-pitched, iron-accented flavors of red and dark berry liqueur, candied lavender and fresh game are supported by a spine of juicy acidity. The marriage of richness to vivacity here is remarkable. Broad, fine-grained tannins build slowly and add shape to a strikingly long, vibrant, sharply focused finish that echoes the dark berry and floral notes emphatically and pretty much endlessly. This one-time bottling, which looks like a love child of Châteauneuf and Bonnes-Mares, was only produced in magnums.

The Wine Cellar Insider (100)

Off the charts in the right ways! This was stunning from start to finish. The perfume explodes with scents of incredibly ripe cherries, plums, black raspberries, thyme, wet earth, garrigue and smoke. And that's just the appetizer. The main course is where the real action is, with its mouth filling, teeth staining levels of fruit, extract, the fruit is perfectly ripe, the levels of concentration are insane, yet everything is in balance. Nothing is too much. If you have the money want Chateauneuf du Pape at its best, this is worth cellaring a bottle of two.

The Wine Cellar Insider (100)

Off the charts in the right ways! This was stunning from start to finish. The perfume explodes with scents of incredibly ripe cherries, plums, black raspberries, thyme, wet earth, garrigue and smoke. And that's just the appetizer. The main course is where the real action is, with its mouth filling, teeth staining levels of fruit, extract, the fruit is perfectly ripe, the levels of concentration are insane, yet everything is in balance. Nothing is too much. If you have the money want Chateauneuf du Pape at its best, this is worth cellaring a bottle of two.

Wine Advocate (98)

Looking at the 2010s and a brilliant vintage for Laurence, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape offers up classic Pegau aromas and flavors of ripe dark fruits, garrigue, cured meats, tobacco leaf, saddle leather and hints of game. Full-bodied and beautifully concentrated, it offers a seamless, layered profile on the palate with thrilling mid-palate depth, sweet, yet substantial tannin, and a blockbuster finish that stays fresh and beautifully focused. Quite polished by this estates standards, it nevertheless screams southern France and I doubt it’s possible to have too much of this beauty in the cellar. It will absolutely thrill over the coming 2-3 decades. Drink 2016-2030.