2019 Cote Rotie Terrasses

Medium/full-bodied, the wine is plush, round, full, and powerful. The nose opens with smoke, olives, crushed rocks, flowers, and dark red berries. Fresh and vibrant on the palate, the wine finishes with a touch of salt, peppery herbs and olives in the crisp red berry spicy end note.

Bright purple colour. An exercise in young Syrah – what a nose! High floral tones meld with fresh blueberry, dark cherries, freshly ground black and white pepper, dried herbs, game, smoked bacon and more. The palate shows more fruit and pepper than anything else at this young stage, with remarkable purity and an effortless, fleet-footed intensity. Tightening on the back end, this may well shut down in the near future but it is absolutely delicious now. Waves of fruit and stem structure offer grip and crunch but the tannins are set in harmony with the fruit. Whole bunch is ever-present as a character, but always on the right side of the line and refreshing the riper fruit tones on the long finish. Superb. (TP)

Schedule to be bottled shortly after my visit, the 2019 Côte Rôtie has gorgeous, floral nuances that give way to more peppery, meaty, gamey notes that are the hallmark of this wonderful estate. Medium to full-bodied, it has considerable elegance and finesse on the palate (Jean-Paul compares this to his 2001 and 2007), silky tannins, and a beautiful finish. It’s going to have some up-front appeal as well as a broad drink window.