2006 Cote Rotie Cuvee Classique

The 2006 Rene Rostaing Côte-Rôtie possesses spicy and perfumed aromatics of raspberries, spiced meat, minerals and subtle barnyard. In the mouth, this has a medium bodied, elegant character to go along with ripe, sweet fruit, a silky texture and a long finish. Beautifully balanced and supple, this should drink well over the next 10 years.

The 2006 Cote Rotie Classique reveals aromas and flavors of cassis, cherries, incense, bacon fat, licorice, and olives. It is a soft, luscious, elegant red to drink over the next 7-8 years. 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

Deep red with a bright rim. Spicy raspberry and red licorice aromas are complicated by smoky minerals and fresh flowers. Sweet red and dark berry flavors possess very good depth and definition, with subtle anise, mineral and candied floral qualities building with air. The clean finish offers a brisk bite of cracked pepper, along with repeating dark berry notes. Very seductive wine, with no gaminess and wonderful energy.