2001 Cote Rotie

The 2001 Côte Rôtie is now clearly in its prime drinking window, and while it might have a touch of room for improvement, I think it’s showing what it is today, especially with air. Still ruby-hued with little in the way of bricking (but clearly a lighter rim), it has a brilliant array of sweet red and black fruits interwoven with notions of fresh flowers, mint, game, and bouquet garni. This carries to a medium to full-bodied Côte Rôtie that has a seamless, elegant mouthfeel, high yet integrated acidity, and ripe, polished tannins. It has everything in check and is just a beautifully classic, complex, elegant, nuanced Jamet that will continue evolving gracefully over the coming decade. And given its high acidity and nicely balanced structure, it will have a gradual decline as well, with a broad drink window.

I loved the 2001 Cote Rotie, but it's not for the instant gratification crowd, and even at age 14, it still has a wall of acidity and tannin. Compared to the '91 by Jean-Paul, it's a serious, medium to full-bodied, concentrated and structured Cote Rotie that has lots of cassis, currants, pepper, smoked meats and game. Possessing high acidity, beautiful concentration and ample underlying structure, give bottles another 2-4 years of cellaring and enjoy through 2031.