90 Jeb Dunnuck - The Rhone Report

"A field blend of mostly old vine Carignan, yet with smaller components of Grenache, Syrah, Grenache Gris, Macabou, and Terret, that's all from limestone and schist soils, the 2010 Maxime Magnon Corbieres Rozeta is fermented using 100% whole cluster before being aged in used Burgundy barrels from a producer in Chassagne-Montrachet. Intriguing and intellectual as opposed to hedonistic, its translucent ruby color leads to a perfume of dried black cherries, walnut shells, smoked spice, ground pepper, resinous herbs (thyme, rosemary), and a dried earth like minerality. Evolving in the glass and beautifully complex, with a Pinot Noir like elegance, albeit in a completely different flavor/aromatic profile, it’s medium bodied, lightly textured, and layered on the palate, showing a seamless, incredibly polished mouth feel, integrated, juicy acidity, and fine tannin that focuses the finish. This blossoms with air and is all about finesse and complexity; those looking for rich, powerful wines should look elsewhere, yet I'm a fan and this unique blend should drink nicely for 5-8 years or so."