2009 Cote Rotie

98.5% Syrah, 1.5% Viognier, co-fermented. Aged for 20 months in 55% new oak. There’s a slightly oxidative note to the fruit here. Attractive minty aromatic quality. Thick, fibrous mouthfeel. Not sure I would age this for a very long time. (RH)

From Tupin-Semons: Intensely spicy red fruits on the nose and palate. Silky and precise, with a seamless texture. From Leyat: Spicier and showing more dark fruit and smokiness. Taut and peppery, with a deeper note of bitter cherry emerging with air. From Fontgeant: Exotic and highly perfumed, with sexy red and dark berry preserve characteristics and supple texture. Aeration brings out a wild note of apricot and tangy minerality. From Champon: Powerful, smoky aromas of dried dark fruits and tobacco, with a strong violet quality. Pungent and palate-staining, with serious depth to its cassis and cherry compote flavors. A hypothetical blend that Ogier put together showed intense spiciness and sexy floral character, with deep red and dark berry flavors and excellent finishing clarity.

Surprisingly dark. Thicker than most wines from this appellation. Drying end. (JR)