Decanted for approximately 30 minutes. Slight bricking noted, with a mature nose of crushed raspberries, tart black cherries, dried figs, wet stones, earth, leather, beef blood, soy, brown sugar and spice. On the palate, tart cherries, raspberry puree, cranberries, earth, leather, herbs and spice. In the mouth, this is wonderfully textured with a slight glycerin component, and long finish, with a slight hint of drying tannin. Acidity is in check here, providing a nice counterbalance to the fruit. To me, the fruit and tertiary flavours are in perfect balance right now. Great wine.

Popped and poured, glass decanted for about 45 minutes while we got in to the 2000 Beaucastel. Followed over the next 30 minutes or so. Nose of dark blue fruits, white pepper, slight citrus peel and brown sugar. On the palate, dark fruits and pepper. Finish is moderate. A little flabby in the mouth, with jammy fruit, moderate acidity and lack of tannin. Overall, very simplistic and not enjoyable to drink. I've had better Crozes-Hermitage for 2/3 the price on several occasions.

This is what I get for impulse purchases. While browsing the LCBO, I see that this had gone on sale, marked down to about $40 from about $50. Despite being of the 2008 vintage, I decide to give this a whirl. What a mistake, as this was absolutely terrible. We popped and poured this one. The nose showed extremely offensive oak treatment upon opening, giving way to cedar, vanilla, spice and some dark fruits hidden behind the oak. On the palate, more of the same; dark fruits, oak, vanilla, brown sugar. Quite sweet, lacking any sort of acidity. Finish is moderate. I see there are a few of you out there who have this bottle. I would highly recommend returning this.

Popped and poured, followed for approximately 30 minutes. Rather simplistic nose of cherries, tar and slight floral component, with an extremely off putting metallic note. On the palate, again, quite simplistic, showing tart cherries. There is a wall of tannin here and some higher than moderate acidity. The metallic note suggests a bad bottle of some sort, but I am not certain. We elected to pass on the remainder of the bottle.

Popped and poured, followed over about an hour and a half. Here we go, back in business. After three stinkers in a row, Dave decided to pop this one to see where it is at. Gorgeous nose of candied cherries, rose petals, tar, and sense of cooling freshness, with very pure fruit. On the palate, exceptional balance; moderate tannin, ample acidity to counteract the slight sweetness of the fruit, and a nice lengthy finish. Obviously, still quite primary at the stage, but is open for business. If CellarTracker would allow, I'd add a "+" to my corresponding score, as I reckon with more complexity, this could gain a point or two.