2017 Cote Rotie Les Roziers

Saturated violet. Expansive, smoke-tinged cherry, dark berry preserve, peony and incense aromas show excellent clarity, and a peppery element adds spicy lift. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering densely packed yet shockingly lively red and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors and a touch of star anise. Shows superb energy on the seamless, strikingly long finish, which is firmed by sneaky tannins and sharpened by a kick of smoky minerality.

The 2017 Côte Rôtie Côte Rozier is the star of the 2017s. All Syrah brought up in 30% new oak, it offers a captivating bouquet of black raspberries, blueberries, flowery incense, and spiced game that opens up beautifully with time in the glass. Full-bodied, pure, and beautifully balanced on the palate, it has polished tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. It's a beautiful, elegant wine that makes the most of the vintage. Give bottles 2-4 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following decade or more.

A step up over previous efforts, the 2017 Cote Rotie Cote Rozier is full-bodied, creamy and lush, showing excellent ripeness allied to ample complexity. Hints of herbs, mocha, vanilla and meat accent mulberry fruit, finishing on a long, silky note. It should drink well for 15 years.