Domaine de la Janasse, Terre de Bussiere, IGP

90 minutes after opening, not decanted, notes are based upon my second glass. Light red fruit on the nose continues across the palate. While merlot is the dominant wine at 55%, this is much softer and lighter in every respect. Modest tenants are evident but match nicely against the soft fruit; if blind, someone might take this for a 5YO burgundy with the capacity to age. Will pair well with this evening’s mediterranean grilled swordfish and concur that my remaining …

Drunk with cote de bouef in French Polynesia! A really tasty blend of Merlot and more traditional southern Rhone varieties. Spicy and with a delicious flavour of damson and forest fruits, with hints of garrigue and fainter hints of leather. The slightly drying, short finish undermines the whole, but it's a good wine.

55 Merlot /25 syrah / 10 Cab / 10 Grenache; 30% new oak. Fruity merlot-dominance evident upfront, tannins noticeable but softly integrated. Great value. Notes posted well after sampling at the winery, didn't rate but did buy a few bottles.

Correct mais ne se démarque pas.

Syrah, Merlot blend. Dark ruby color. Enticing nose of ripe berry with an edge of brambles and meat. Medium-to-full bodied and georgeous. Nicely balanced with brambly dryness and dark berries and a some spice box. Very nice finish. approachable tannins. Great with food -- pork, beef, lamb. Drinks like a more expensive wine. 14.5% alco (D 7, F 6; Cent, ES)

The syrah/merlot blend works really well here. The syrah gives it some spice and black licorice, while the merlot seems to round everything out and soften it a bit with plum and hints of chocolate. All balanced and integrated.

A ripe, fruit forward wine. Syrah dominates the Merlot on both the nose and the finish. If you have it, drink it now.

Didn't move a lot since last year. Still really primary. Loads of sweet fruit, alcohol well integrated, nice finish. Went well with the cheeses. Drink or hold.

Ton of syrah fruit. Not much complexity ... a nice week night drink, but not much else.

Very ripe and powerful. Intense nose of blackberries, huge wine with the stuffing to carry the high alcohol. Nice long finish. Very nice in its specific style. Drink or keep.

Quite comparable to the 2001 with maybe less complexity at this stage but more fruit, riper as well. Soft, silky, very sexy wine. Awesome QPR.