2018 Cote Rotie
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Tasting notes
Opaque ruby. Assertively perfumed black and blue fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of candied flowers, olive and exotic spices. In a concentrated, densely packed style, showing fine definition and spicy cut to its bitter cherry, cassis, fruitcake and violet pastille flavors. Conveys a suave blend of power and energy, finishing taut, spicy and impressively long, with youthfully gripping tannins and resonating florality. One-third whole clusters and 20% new oak.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Josh Raynolds
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The 2018 Côte Rôtie Maison Rouge is all Syrah and saw slightly more stems, fermented with 30% whole clusters, and the aging occurred 25% in foudre and 20% in new barrels, with the balance in used oak. A bigger, richer wine, it offers medium to full-bodied aromas and flavors of black raspberries, blackberries, scorched earth, and hints of smoke, with subtle floral nuances with time in the glass. Rich, concentrated, and structured, it needs 3-4 years of bottle age and will have two decades of overall longevity.
The 2018 Cote Rotie Maison Rouge emanates from a selection of vines planted in the 1950s—the balance of the domaine's plantings in this lieu-dit go into the blended Blonde de Seigneur bottling. It's all Syrah, with about 30% vinified as whole clusters, and matured in 20% new oak. Hints of cedar and wood spice join red berries and cherries on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate features ample depth, silky tannins and an expansive feel. The finish adds a hint of mocha and some sturdy tannins, so give it several years in the bottle.
About the producer
A legendary name, Domaine Georges Vernay crafts some of the finest whites in the world, having championed Condrieu when it was on the brink of extinction. The estate is best known for its single-site Coteau de Vernon Condrieu and is now in the hands of the third and fourth generation of the family.