2008 Janasse "Terre de Bussière" Vin de Pays de la Principauté d'Orange

According to Robert Parker: "The 2008 Vin de Pays Terre de Bussiere, which includes a lot of Merlot in the blend, is surprisingly fat and fleshy, offering notes of herb-tinged black cherries and chocolate. It should drink well for 1-2 years. Always one of my favorite stops on my Rhone Valley trips, Domaine de la Janasse is run with incredible passion by Christophe Sabon, his sister Isabelle, and his father, who showed up nearly half naked as he was bringing in some white grapes on the torridly hot day I visited. What this family operation has achieved over the last decade is nothing short of remarkable considering the breadth of wines made, from their Vin de Pays, which are among the finest made in France, to their world-class Cotes du Rhones and Chateauneuf du Papes. While this estate is at the top of its game, it is not content to rest on the status quo and continues to push the envelope. Their 2008s are among the finest wines of the vintage, and as the following tasting notes and scores indicate, their 2007s are out of this world. The 2008 reds are surprisingly strong across the board at Domaine de la Janasse." (10/09) According to the Wine Spectator: "Somewhat firm, with a beefy edge to the hot stone, roasted plum, fig and toast notes. Lightly raisined, but stays fresh enough. Drink now. 800 cases imported." (10/10)