Tasting Notes
Vinous 94
Inky ruby. An exotically perfumed bouquet displays intense aromas of red fruit liqueur, potpourri, smoky minerals and white pepper; smells like a very serious Burgundy from a ripe year. Palate-staining raspberry and floral pastille flavors are accented by an exotic jolt of blood orange. Gains weight and sweetness with air, finishing with resonating minerality and outstanding persistence. This graceful wine should enjoy a long evolution thanks to its balance.
Anticipated maturity: 2018-2035
Robert Parker 97
I think the best wine here (at the moment anyways) is the 2012 Cote Rotie Cote Blonde. More reserved and closed initially, it has subtle, yet seductive notes of black raspberry, blackberry, toasted spice, smoke earth and cured meat that gradually open up in the glass. This is followed by a full-bodied, dense, substantial Cote Rotie that has awesome polish to its tannin, a great mid-palate and a smoking finish. It too needs short-term cellaring, but will keep for 2-3 decades. This was another terrific visit with Rene Rostaing, and he’s hit gold in both 2012 and 2013. In fact, he may have fashioned the wines of the vintage in 2013 and I was blown away by the depth and richness these showed. There are few people doing Côte Rôtie better than this guy.
Anticipated maturity: 2020-2042
