2007 Cote Rotie Champin Seigneur

2007 is a good, rather than outstanding, vintage as evidenced by the 2007 Cote Rotie Champin le Seigneur, a charming, straightforward effort with medium body, moderate weight, and notions of green and black olives intermixed with licorice, smoked herbs, red currants, and cassis. Lighter-styled by Gerin’s standards, but typical of the vintage, it should be consumed during its first 6-7 years of life. Jean-Michel Gerin used to sell 30% of his production in the United States, but when I visited him in late 2007, he was no longer exporting his wines to America. He told me he was not getting paid, and I suspect he is only one of what will undoubtedly be many casualties of the international economic crisis. It is sad to see consumers being denied access to some of the best wines being made in France as well as elsewhere. Importer: Bond Street Imports (www. bondstreetimports.com)

Saturated purple color. Powerful aromas of dark berries, baking spices and cola, with a suave floral overlay. Ripe and sappy, with gently sweet black fruit flavors and silky texture. Finishes fresh and with gentle mineral bite. This won't require much age to be enjoyed.