1985 Cote Rotie La Garde
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The 1985 Côte-Rôtie Côte Blonde La Garde is utterly sublime. Pale in colour, perhaps just a little turbid, the bouquet offers gorgeous scents of garrigues, black truffles, a touch of the old farmyard, strawberries and clove, all beautifully defined, “old school” and utterly intoxicating. The palate is beautifully balanced, almost Burgundy-like in terms of tannin structure, hints of clove, fennel and sage filtering through the red fruit that lead to an elegant finish that takes your breath away. Stunning.
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Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Thick, rich fruit with some vigour still and a slightly dusty finish. There's a certain toastiness about this wine made by René Rostaing's father-in-law before making over the vines to him. (JR)
In contrast to the sturdy La Viaillere from the Cote Brune, Dervieux's La Garde from the Cote Blonde is more supple, velvety, and fully mature. It has layers of raspberry/cassis fruit, excellent intensity, a dark ruby color, and ripe, round tannins. Anticipated maturity: now-2002. Last tasted 11/95.