Cote Rotie

This is 100% Syrah.  Purple in color with ruby swirls, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is great with black raspberries, smoked meat, slight graphite and spices.  Full bodied.  Firm tannins.  Nice acidity.  On the palate, black raspberries with underlying minerality.  Great, lush texture.  Long finish.  Delicious.  This could use a few more years, but is drinking well already.  It should drink well for the next twenty to twenty-five years.  Great on its own, this will work well with hearty stews or other big foods.  Is should improve with cellar time.  

The trio of Guigal La La Cote Rotie's are legendary as some of the greatest wines in the world.  Any time one gets to try a bottle is a rare occasion.  Now, 2002 was not a great or even good vintage, but this bottle had been purchased for an affordable price on release and well stored waiting for the right time to open.  At age 20, it was drinking quite well if not at the level of some better vintages.  This is 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier which was less than usual due to the botrytis that came from the wet conditions.  Inky purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is pretty with black ra

This is the basic Cote Rotie from purchased fruit.  It is 96% Syrah with 4% Viognier that saw 36 months in barrel, half of that new oak.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is very nice with black raspberries, black pepper, black olives and slight smoke.  Full bodied.  Medium tannins.  On the palate, black raspberries with underlying char.  Plenty of depth.  Long finish.  This is delicious on its own and should be very food friendly.  It would be perfect with a steak.  Drink over the next ten to twelve years.  

Young, but a wonderful Cote Rotie.  Purple in color, slim ruby rim, opaque and bright.  The nose has black cherries and black raspberries, black olive and black pepper with a bit of smoke, Full bodied.  On the palate, black raspberries, black raspberries and black pepper.  Medium tannins.  Deep but primary.  This needs a five to ten more years of good cellaring. Drink for twenty after that.  If drinking soon, it should be with food.  Cassoulet is the choice.  

This is a more easy going style of Cote Rotie.  Purple in color with ruby swirls, opaque and bright.  The nose has black raspberries, slight bacon fat, white pepper and some violets.  Full bodied.  Nice acidity.  On the palate, black cherry fruit with black pepper.  Long finish.  Light tannins.  This is drinking well now and should continue to drink well for another ten to twelve years.  It will work better with food than on its own.  A brisket sandwich would work well.  

Wow!  This is in a great place.  Purple in color with some ruby hues, mostly opaque and bright.  Great nose of black raspberries, roasted meats and herbs. Full bodied.  Great balance.  On the palate, this is delicious and complex. Layers of black raspberries with underlying minerality and slight char.  Tannins are mostly resolved but still present.  Long finish.  This is at peak but will go another decade at this level.  Great on its own, this would work well with braised beef.  

Purchased on release and well cellared.  Pop and pour, the cork was stained about half way up but not compromised.  The first sip really grabs one's attention.  Deep garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is great with black raspberries, lots of earthiness, black cherries and a bit of roasted meats.  Full bodied.  On the palate, this is complex and layered.  Lots of vibrant fruit; black raspberries and black cherries.  Great balance.  Seems to be just about at mature peak.  Nice finish.  The bottle improved over a few hours before just starting to tail off.  Drink over the nex