2017 La Rosine Syrah VDP

Tasting like a mini Côte Rôtie, the 2017 Collines Rhodaniennes La Rosine has beautiful raspberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with classic olive, truffle, spring flowers, and bacon fat nuances. It's elegant, medium-bodied, has sweet tannins, and a great finish. Unquestionably, one of the most exciting domaines in the world of wine today is that of superstar winemaker Stephane Ogier, who continues to purchase and plant new vineyards throughout Côte Rôtie and the Northern Rhône. I was blown away by his 2017s, and his Côte Rôtie Côte Blonde is unquestionably one of the wines of the vintage, as well as one of the greatest Côte Rôties I’ve had the opportunity to taste. While it’s still in barrel, the Côte Rôtie Belle Helene is another wine with perfection written all over it. In general, his 2017s shows ripe, expressive aromatics and tons of fruit, yet they have a firm, structured vibe on the palate and need bottle age. The 2018s, which are from a vintage compared to 1991 by Stéphane, show a slightly more rounded, seamless profile with silkier tannins. These wines shine for their purity of fruit as well as balance. While the expensive releases get all the attention, don’t miss the La Rosine, L’Ame Soeur, Saint Joseph, or Côte Rôtie Mon Village from this estate. These are terrific wines that offer loads of character and represent smoking values for the true wine lovers and wine drinkers out there.

Ogier's 2017 La Rosine Syrah features attractive floral, cranberry and tea-like aromas. Despite being medium to full-bodied, it's delicate in style, with a lacy sense to the just-ripe tannins and a long, savory finish. Drink it over the next 5 years.

This has a very complex nose with a deeply spicy and gently peppery edge, as well as a ripe dark-berry core. The palate has a sleek, smooth and polished texture with a deep serving of rich, dark fruit. Fine tannins. Lots to like here and great value. Drink now.