2017 Cote Rotie Domaine des Pierrelles

Lots of classy black raspberry and framboise fruit characteristics emerge from the 2017 Côte Rôtie Les Pierrelles, which has classic Côte Rôtie complexity with its notes of spring flowers, game, and sappy herbs. Playing in the medium-bodied end of the spectrum, it’s elegant, has fine tannins, and is an outstanding wine. Drink it over the coming 10-12 years. Readers who love older vintages of Jaboulet’s flagship Hermitage La Chapelle should be happy with how owner Caroline Frey has managed this domaine since taking over in 2006. She has singlehandedly brought this estate back to its former glory, particularly with their Hermitage releases. Their second wine today, the Maison Bleue, is unquestionably a better wine than many past vintages of their flagship La Chapelle, and I suspect will age even longer.

The 2017 Cote Rotie Domaine des Pierrelles is full-bodied but exceedingly elegant, with silky, fine-grained tannins. Charming notes of violets, raspberries and black olives lead the way, backed by hints of dried spices and mocha, finishing long. It's a complex and compelling example of Cote Rotie, and it's great to see all of the Jaboulet team's hard work in the vineyards paying off.

Two small parcels here, this pure syrah has a very attractive nose with sweetly fragrant spices, smoked meat, asphalt, graphite, white pepper and a swathe of ripe purple berries, laced with oak spice. The palate has such long, fine tannins. Very sleek, attractive and deep, this offers so much already, but will be best from 2025.