2009 Côte-Rôtie, La Belle Hélène, Domaine Michel & Stéphane Ogier, Rhône

The 2009 Cote Rotie La Belle Helene is another perfect wine. Made in a completely different style than the more structured, mineral-laced 2010, the 2009 is a flamboyant, exuberant effort with nearly over-the-top ripeness and fruit. However, it is extremely supple, sexy and bursting with complexity, revealing notes of truffles, graphite, black raspberries, espresso roast, spice box, tapenade and bouquet garni. The wines richness, full-bodied, massive fruit impact and 50-second finish are amazing.

Robert M. Parker, (December 2012)