Cote Rotie

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