Brett happens

Corbières 2010, Réserve, Abbotts et Delaunay ($20.20, 11956833)
The firm is based in Marseillette, about 17 km due east of Carcassonne. This is a blend of Syrah (45%), Grenache (40%) and Mourvèdre (15%) from three of Corbières’s 11 terroirs. The grapes are manually harvested then transferred to the fermenting vats without crushing or pumping. Fermentation and maceration last 15 days, after which the grapes are pressed, with the press wine being added to the free-run wine. Maturated in stainless steel tanks (60%) and oak barrels (half old and half new). 13.5% ABV.
Impressively deep, dark, fragrant nose: plum and blackberry, turned earth, background violets, bacon smoke and spice, especially licorice, and a hint of sweet oak. Full-bodied, with plump tannins and a velvety texture. The bordering-on-overripe fruit has just enough acidity to avoid jamminess. Mouth-filling and long but, in stark contrast to the nose, surprisingly flat and unexciting. Going through a phase? (Buy again? Maybe to give it a second chance and to re-experience that opulent bouquet.)