1970 Cote Rotie La Mouline

The 1970 Côte-Rôtie La Mouline from Guigal is the oldest vintage I have tasted. Because of its age and the fact that 1970 was not a great Rhône vintage, I approached it with trepidation. Too old? Not in the slightest! Vestiges of red fruit mixed with saddle leather, thyme, rooibos, rosemary and cracked black pepper intermingle on the fully mature nose. The palate is not powerful and might lack some grip, yet there is balance and poise. White pepper commingles with sage, and a gentle but controlled crescendo reminds you that this comes from serious terroir. I would not leave bottles too long, but I adored this Rhône.