Cornas “La Louvée” 2011 94 WS May14

This drips with cassis, blackberry pâte de fruit and plum sauce flavors, maintaining terrific verve. The iron spine and bay leaf- and sweet tapenade—fueled finish keeps this grounded. Long and sleek, with mouthwatering acidity stitching everything together. Best from 2016 through 2026. — J.M.