Inky ruby. Vibrant blackberry, violet pastille, anise and smoky mineral aromas are complemented by a suave spicecake nuance. Concentrated, palate-staining black and blue fruit flavors show excellent depth and focus, while hints of star anise and licorice build in the glass. Silky, smoky and seamless on the strikingly long and incisive finish, which is shaped by gentle tannins. Notes of licorice and candied flowers linger. 94 points

About as voluptuous and sexy a la Landonne as I`ve tasted from Rene, the 2013 Cote Rotie la Landonne excels in the vintage and offers rock star notes of violets, black and blue fruits, olive and pepper. Full-bodied, layered, beautifully concentrated and with ripe tannin, it needs 4-5 years of cellaring and will keep for two decades or more. 95 points