The 2009 St.-Joseph La Sensonne, which comes from 55-year old vines, was aged in 75% new oak before being bottled unfiltered. This remarkable wine is a selection of the finest lots from Coursodon’s l’Olivaie and Paradis St.-Pierre vineyards. Copious aromas of blackberries and cassis intermixed with hints of forest floor, acacia flowers, graphite and ink are followed by a wine with tremendous purity, a singular personality, and a full-bodied, massive yet perfectly balanced mouthfeel. If you don’t mind committing infanticide, it can be drunk now, but 2-4 years of cellaring is recommended. This 2009 is capable of lasting two decades. It represents compelling, world-class St.-Joseph that sells at a remarkably fair price. Jerome Coursodon, one of the Rhone Valley’s up-and-coming young producers, has produced beautiful 2009s that represent his greatest achievements to date. I did not see his 2010s, but I assume they are close in quality to the 2009s, as he is as conscientious and passionate about his work as one will find anywhere in the world. He has hit a home run with all four of his St.-Joseph cuvees in 2009. Importer: A Patrick Lesec Selection, agent for the U.S. market, Chemin des Vins, Sherborn, MA; tel. (508) 545-1532