2007 Domaine René Rostaing Côte-Rôtie La Landonne

Medium red. Initially closed nose blossomed with air to display wild strawberry, pomegranate, pungent herbs and Asian spices. Brisk and sharply focused, with medium-bodied red berry and bitter cherry flavors underscored by anise and firmed by chewy tannins. The tannins build on the finish, which is clean, energetic and long.

Bright red. Pungent, expressive aromas of black raspberry, cherry-cola, incense and dried violet. Deeply flavored, taut and focused, offering spicy red and dark berry flavors and strong suggestions of cracked pepper and bitter chocolate. Unlike the normale, this has gained in power since the bottling. Finishes with solid grip and resonating dark berry and spice notes.

The 2007 Cote Rotie La Landonne exhibits classic aromas of scorched earth, black olives, black currants, graphite, and licorice. With good acidity, medium body, and a subtle streak of greenness in the fruit, this 2007 should taste even better out of bottle than it does from barrel (typical for Rostaing’s wines). It should evolve for a decade or more. (Not yet released) One of the benchmark producers of Cote Rotie, Rene Rostaing’s wines are made in a classic, traditional style, and are aged in either demi-muids or small barrels, a tiny percentage of which is new. Rostaing’s 25 acres spread throughout heritage sites on the two hillsides of the Cote Blonde and Cote Brune include some of the finest vineyards of the appellation. Importer: Manny Berk, The Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484