2012 Cote Rotie Les Rochains
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Tasting notes
Dark purple. Vibrant blackberry and blackcurrant on the nose, along with suave floral and Asian spice nuances that add complexity. Silky and pure on the palate, offering deep dark berry liqueur flavors and a building note of violet pastille. The alluringly sweet, persistent finish emphatically repeats the dark berry and floral notes and displays just a hint of tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Last of the 2012s, the Côte Rôtie les Rochains is a brilliant effort that’s made from 100% Syrah and aged 18 months in 40% new barrels. Black raspberry, cassis, violets, forest floor and smoke all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, elegant, yet rich, structured and lengthy effort. It still has some oak to integrate, so give it 2-4 years in the cellar, it will knock your socks off for a decade after that.
100% Syrah, French oak barriques. Brown schist. Sweet and relatively rich. Not the most typical Côte Rôtie. A bit too sweet and raw, with an odd chocolate note on the finish. (JR)