2006 Cote Rotie Les Rochains
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Tasting notes
The 2006s are more structured, backward efforts, but all are exceptionally well-endowed. The most intensity and complex set of aromatics are found in the sensational 2006 Cote Rotie Les Rochains. Floral notes intermixed with cassis, asphalt, burning embers, truffles, licorice, and toasty oak are found in this beauty. More velvety textured and concentrated than the Cote Rozier, this stunning red should be cellared for 2-3 years, and drunk over the following 15+. This small, 14-acre estate is one of the finest in Cote Rotie (the Bonnefonds also own 2.5 acres in Condrieu), and their 2007 offerings are among the top wines of the vintage in this appellation. Importer: A Christopher Cannan Selection, various American importers including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, and Diamond Wine Merchants, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 567-9897
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Opaque purple. More brooding than the Cote-Rozier, with deep cassis, boysenberry, cherry-vanilla, licorice candy and violet scents. The dark fruit and licorice notes repeat on the palate, displaying a liqueur-like richness, with firm tannins adding back-end grip. The broad finish boasts a clinging sweetness. This has gained weight and power since last year and looks to be built for the long haul.
Very full and tarry on the finish, rich and leathery and rather more like Hermitage than Côte Rôtie. For those who seek mass. Pretty impressive. Stylistically different from the more feminine Côte Rozier. (JR)
Inky purple. Explosively perfumed bouquet of ripe blackberry and boysenberry, with sexy floral and mineral qualities deepened by exotic oak spices. Pliant, strikingly sweet, highly concentrated cherry and dark fruit preserve flavors pick up velvety tannins on the close. "This always has the most tannins of my wines, but they aren't typically hard," Christophe Bonnefond commented.