2011 Cote Rotie Champin Seigneur

More approachable and supple, yet still outstanding, the 2011 Cote Rotie Champin le Seigneur gives up ample kirsch, black raspberry, leather, spice and ground herbs to go with a medium-bodied, textured and hard to resist profile on the palate. Incorporating 10% Viognier and aged 20 months in 50% new French oak, this gorgeous effort can be consumed any time over the coming 10-15 years. Other than a lackluster, slightly odd Condrieu, this was a brilliant lineup of wines by proprietor Jean-Michel Gerin. Farming 17 acres (organically) in Cote Rotie (mostly in the northern part of the appellation) and Condrieu, Gerin-s first vintage was in 1987. The winemaking style here is quite modern, with lots of destemming and plenty of small barrels, some of which are new. The wines show fantastic purity and also age gracefully Importer: Esprit Du Vin, Port Washington, NY; Tel. (516) 802-4758

Deep ruby. Intense, mineral-dominated aromas of redcurrant, cherry and fresh flowers, with a suave Asian spice element gaining power with air. Firm red berry and cherry skin flavors show good clarity and pick up spice and cracked pepper notes on the back end. Pure, focused and light on its feet, finishing with good lift and lingering minerality.

More approachable and supple, yet still outstanding, the 2011 Cote Rotie Champin le Seigneur gives up ample kirsch, black raspberry, leather, spice and ground herbs to go with a medium-bodied, textured and hard to resist profile on the palate. Incorporating 10% Viognier and aged 20 months in 50% new French oak, this gorgeous effort can be consumed any time over the coming 10-15 years. Drink: 2013 - 2028. Wine Advocate #210 Dec 2013