The two 2009 St.-Joseph cuvees I tasted are both seductive, appealing wines. The 2009 St.-Joseph reveals pretty strawberry and licorice-infused notes intertwined with hints of tobacco leaf and damp earth. With soft tannins and an elegant, medium-bodied style, this effort is Burgundian-like in its delicacy and mid-weight style. Consume it over the next 5-6 years. Two brilliant vintages from Domaine Courbis include the more forward 2009s and the equally fine 2010s, which will require considerable patience. The 2010s have slightly higher acids, which tends to make the tannins more noticeable, but they are also extremely concentrated, with massive palate impressions. It is often said that Cornas is made for those with 19th century palates, but Courbis has tamed the uncivilized ruggedness and wilder aspects of Cornas, resulting in huge wines, but undeniably Cornas.Importer: Russell Herman, Berkeley Heights, NJ; tel. (908) 771-9082