2011 Cote Rotie Lieu Dit Montmain

The 2011 Cote Rotie Lieu-Dit Montmain is another superb release from this producer, who seems to excel in all of the appellations. Exhibiting plenty of sweet red fruits, rose petal, spiced meats and assorted floral nuances, it is fresh, pure and nicely textured on the palate, with good acidity and an understated elegance. Enjoy it over the coming 7-8 years. (Not yet released) Across the board, this is a superb lineup of wines that delivers high quality at all price points. Run by the team at Chapoutier, headed by Pierre-Henri Morel, the wines are made by Damien Brisset. This was a large tasting and I've simply listed the wines in the order we went through them. Within a vintage, the wines are broken up into three categories, the traditional releases, the Lieu-Dit releases, and the selections parcellaires releases. The 2011s are slightly softer and more streamlined than the 2012s. As a whole, they offer charming, supple and more medium-bodied profiles that will reward earlier drinking. Looking at the traditional releases in 2011, these wines show classic, yet approachable and delicious characters. In most cases they represent good value. Importer: A French Paradox, Peoria, IL; tel. (309) 682-8994

Glass-staining ruby. Aromas and flavors of candied red and dark berries, licorice and bitter chocolate, with a smoky nuance building in the glass. Sappy and focused, with strong finishing grip, fine-grained tannins and a lingering floral note. Smoothly plays power off vivacity, with the balance to age.