Tasting Notes

94
Vinous Stephen Tanzer - 01 Nov 98
Deep ruby-red. Penetrating, perfumed aromas of cassis, iron, leather and brown spices; here one smells the absence of new oak without picking up any suggestion of old wood. Vibrant, taut and high in acidity; violet and pepper flavors are just beginning to evolve. Has a truly noble rusticity. The tannins are extremely fine. A classic example of a Cote Rotie made from the petit serine - the real syrah that has been largely supplanted by clonal selections since World War II. A wine of great finesse. Marius Gentaz, alas, retired in 1993.
Drinking Date:
Cote-Rotie Vineyard Fine Wine

Cote Rotie

Côte-Rôtie, a distinguished Northern Rhône appellation, is famed for its elegant, complex Syrah-based red wines. The name means "Roasted Slope," reflecting its sun-drenched, steep hillsides. These wines often blend Syrah with a small amount of Viognier, adding floral notes to rich dark fruit flavours like blackberries and plums, with peppery, smoky undertones. Top producers include E. Guigal, Domaine Jamet, and Domaine Côte-Rôtie, all celebrated for crafting some of the region's most revered wines.