2016 Cote Rotie La Germine
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Inky ruby. Expressive aromas of fresh black raspberry and boysenberry are joined by exotic spice, violet and incense nuances that build in the glass. Energetic and sharply delineated on the palate, offering densely packed red and dark berry liqueur flavors and cracked pepper. Floral pastille qualities build steadily with air and carry emphatically through an impressively long, smooth finish given shape by rounded, well-knit tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Leading off the 2016s and incorporating 3% Viognier, the 2016 Côte Rôtie La Germine from the Duclaux brothers offers a classic perfume of black raspberries, Asian spices, green olives, and spring flowers. It's perfumed, medium-bodied, elegant, and silky on the palate, with a charming, incredibly elegant style. Drink it any time over the coming decade or so. Located in the southern portion of Côte Rôtie, the Duclaux brothers fashion an elegant, ethereal style of Côte Rôtie. They’ve done a fine job in both 2016 and 2017.
Just behind the Maison Rouge is the 2016 Cote Rotie La Germine. It boasts charming aromas of violets and cherries, a plump, medium to full-bodied palate with a slightly open-knit texture and a long, velvety finish laden with tart berries.
Elegant and expressive nose with black cherry and gentle spice. Lifted palate where the fruit is ripe but restrained and the finish has a long spiciness. (RH)