2016 Cote Rotie Belle Helene
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Côte Rôtie La Belle Hélène isn't far off the 2015, although it has a much more focused, classic style that will be loved by the traditionalists out there. Darker fruits, iron, smoked meats, and foresty, peppery herb-like notes define the aromatics, and it's full-bodied and balanced, with fine tannins and a great finish. All about finesse and elegance, yet still nicely concentrated, it's a beautifully complete Côte Rôtie that will evolve for another two decades.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Glass-staining ruby. Powerful, spice-accented aromas of fresh black and blue fruits, candied violet, licorice and olive paste, along with a hint of exotic spices that builds steadily in the glass. Sweet, palate-staining cassis, boysenberry, floral pastille and star anise flavors turn livelier with air. Impressively concentrated but surprisingly lively thanks to its spine of smoky minerality. Finishes sappy, seamless and impressively long, with steadily building tannins and lingering florality.
Nearly as good as the la Côte Blonde, the 2016 Cote Rotie La Belle Helene is plump, round and full in the mouth, yet it lacks some of the former wine's exotic perfume. It still shows lovely purity, with baskets of ripe red berries, a plush, creamy mouthfeel and a long finish. It's a terrific wine that suffers only by comparison. With its terrific concentration and balance, it should drink well for two decades or more.