2005 Domaine Durand "Empreintes" Cornas (Previously $34.99)

90-93 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Inky purple. Suave, potent creme de cassis and blackberry aromas lifted by baking spice accents and a strong vanilla note. Lush and creamy in texture and very sweet, with concentrated dark berry and black cherry flavors and late notes of gingerbread and mocha. The fresh, juicy finish features velvety tannins and excellent length." (Jan/Feb 07) 91 points Wine Spectator: "There's solid grip, but this manages to stay elegant, with a range of dark currant, tobacco, olive and sage notes followed by a meaty edge on the finish. The latent richness begs for a cassoulet. Best from 2009 through 2015." (03/08) 90 points Robert Parker: "The 2005 Cornas Empreintes possesses good density and power as well as high tannin, sweet cherry and blackberry fruit, and hints of coffee, bay leaves, and crushed rocks. It will benefit from 1-2 years of cellaring, and drink well for 10-12 years." (02/08) 17+ Jancis Robinson: "Healthy evolved ruby. Sweet and heady and utterly pleasurable already with quite a lot of development. Lovely balance – super-easy to drink, Great texture and balance. It’s very ripe, almost roasted Syrah with a dry finish but it’s so ripe that it slightly reminds me of a non European Syrah. The finish is French, dry and appetising however. Not obviously hot or alcoholic at all. Bravo!" 13.5%abv.