Cuilleron Saint Joseph 'L'Amarybelle' 2009

Vines from 20-40 years old, grown on steep terraces of shallow sand over granite.
‘Inky ruby. Wilder and more assertively perfumed than the Pierres Seches, displaying scents of dark fruit compote, licorice and black cardamom. Broad, palate-coating cassis and boysenberry flavors show an attractive spiciness and become smokier with air. Chewy tannins add grip to a spicy, nicely persistent finish.’ 90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
RRP: $62

“Yves Cuilleron is a superstar of the Northern Rhône” thewinedoctor.com

"Since I can remember, I've always loved tastings and good food. Wine has been part of my family's history for four generations. The estate wasn't destined for me, but my passion for winemaking drew me back to my roots, and in 1987 I took over my father's estate." Yves Cuilleron
“In the space of a decade, Yves Cuilleron has established himself as one of the leading lights of France’s Northern Rhône region. He’s a modernist, but not overly so: his wines straddle neatly the divide between traditionalists and the new-wave, in the sense that they retain their sense of place, but express their site in a slightly more approachable, immediate way. There's purity to the fruit, and where new oak is used it isn't excessive.” Wineanorack.com

Price: $56.99