93
points
Domaine Courbis 2004 La Sabarotte Syrah (Cornas)
-
$75
A tour de force from the 2004 vintage, combining the floral and spice hallmarks of the year’s moderate temperatures with deftly polished structure and weight. Raspberry and blackberry flavors are bold and rich, while the tannins are strong yet supple. Drink–through 2020.
— J.C.
(11/15/2006)
92
points
Domaine Courbis 2005 La Sabarotte Syrah (Cornas)
-
$80
Easily marries smoky notes from new oak with minerally aromas, then layers on incredibly creamy-textured red cherry-berry fruit, dense and rich. Supple tannins provide focus on the long finish. Drink 2010–2020.
— J.C.
(9/1/2007)
91
points
Domaine Courbis 2005 Les Royes Syrah (Saint-Joseph)
-
$40
Bottled only a few months prior to this tasting, the wine was still rather closed aromatically, but wonderfully ripe and supple on the palate. Waves of superripe, creamy-textured red fruit and vanilla flavors finish long, bolstered by firm tannins. Drink 2010–2018.
— J.C.
(9/1/2007)
91
points
Domaine Courbis 2004 Syrah (Saint-Joseph)
-
$25
Especially floral—something this reviewer is a sucker for—with hints of rose petals gracing ground pepper and blackberries. Tastes almost floral as well, as it seems to float ephemerally on the palate yet shows some creamy weight at the same time. Drink now–2012.
— J.C.
(11/15/2006)
91
points
Domaine Courbis 2005 Les Royes Marsanne (Saint-Joseph)
-
$30
Bursting with scents of honey and toast, this is a broad, moderately rich example of Marsanne. There’s a bit of apricot, and also toasted cereal grains, lingering elegantly on the finish. Drink now.
— J.C.
(9/1/2007)
90
points
Domaine Courbis 2005 Champelrose Syrah (Cornas)
-
$50
Very fruit-forward and lush, especially considering the generally tannic nature of the 2005 vintage in the northern Rhône. Minerally notes accent red cherries and plums, with just a touch of toast and vanilla in the background. Drink now–2015.
— J.C.
(9/1/2007)
90
points
Domaine Courbis 2005 Les Eygats Syrah (Cornas)
-
$65
Makes a splashy entrance, flashing hints of smoke, toast and vanilla, but there’s a firm core of mineral and spice at the heart of this wine that will need some time to emerge. Right now the texture is rich, the red fruit forward, but the wine finishes a bit tough and crisp. Drink 2010–2018.
— J.C.
(9/1/2007)
89
points
Domaine Courbis 2005 Syrah (Saint-Joseph)
-
$30
An interesting wine that combines slightly herbal notes with confected, fruity ones in a harmonious way. Pepper and crushed red fruits are carried on a creamy texture, punctuated by crisp acids and firm tannins on the finish. Drink 2008-2015.
— J.C.
(9/1/2007)