2012 Rotie Cellars Dre
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Tasting notes
(15% alcohol; 100% Mourvedre): Healthy bright medium red. Vibrant aromas of blueberry, tree bark, spices, anise and crushed herbs. A saline, dry midweight with good peppery grip and a touch of wildness. Not a particularly sweet style and still youthfully wound-up, even a bit lean, but boasts sneaky intensity. I’d come back to this in two years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
A wine I’ve liked more in the past, the 100% Mourvedre 2012 Dre offers up a slightly strange profile, with lively red and black fruits, herbs de Provence, mint, white pepper and green herbs to go with a high acid, medium-bodied, slightly stretched feel on the palate. I could certainly characterize this as elegant and lively, yet there’s a slight dill component as well as a tartness on the finish that gives me pause. I’m not completely sure what’s going on here. I hope it fleshes out and gains some richness with time in the bottle, but this is not something I’m completely thrilled about either. Made by Sean Boyd, these releases from Rotie Cellars show classic styles, with bright acidity that is balanced by good depth and richness. The 2012 Dre was the odd man out here, and I’ve liked the cuvee much more in the past. Regardless, the other wines are all outstanding. Tel. (253) 312-5991; www.rotiecellars.com