Domaine du Coulet Matthieu Barret Cornas Billes Noires 2011

Smoky bacon and licorice wrap around a core of sappy black fruit. The palate shows impressive weight for 2011, with receding tannins allowing the dark fruit to shine. Mineral undertones and pungent spice add complexity without masking the primary flavors. After more than a decade, this is just hitting its stride and rewards patience with decanting.