2021 Cote Rotie Terrasses

The 2021 Côte-Rôtie fermented with roughly 90% whole-clusters. Fragrant raspberry jam, crushed violets, cedar and licorice rise up from the glass. Spicy undertones and stemmy gradations add more layers. Framed by velvety tannins and balanced by bright acidity, this is a finessed Jamet with plenty of energy. Albeit not as concentrated and deep as the 2020 or potentially the 2022, the elegant 2021 dazzles regardless.

Inky magenta. Highly expressive aromas of red and blue fruits, violet, incense, olive and baking spices, along with a smoky mineral top note. Stains the palate with vibrant, sharply etched black raspberry, blueberry, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors that slowly deepen and become sweeter with air. Shows very good power but comes off lithe, showing no rough edges on a long, gently tannic finish that leaves behind sappy blue fruit and black pepper notes.

Cask samples tasted at the domaine. Sample 1: Lesardes and other parcels in the northern part of the appellation. Subtle pepper, slight reduction. Very juicy. Light tannic structure, bags of fresh acidity, subtle saline note throughout. Good structure, acidity and tension. All about the freshness. Sample 2: Bonnivi è res and Tartaras. Harvested last. Graphite note, white pepper, clove. A tighter tannin structure with a delicate, but firm, graphite feel. Vertical and introverted. Adds structure to the blend. Sample 3: Fongeant, next to C ô te Brune. Gorgeous nose with a strong, smoky note. Ashy whole-bunch note with firm tannins and a gorgeous, subtle floral note. The earthy graphite note lasts throughout the wine. Mineral and salty throughout. Sample 4: Fongeant and Gerine. Dried violets, rose and white pepper. Rounded and elegant on the palate. Delicate, detailed and very fine tannins with a subtle dark-fruit note and floral, salty finish. Delicate and elegant. Sample 5: Le Plomb and Tartarus. Graphite, dark fig. Tight tannins, dark fruit and a dense structure. Clove and dark fruits. Sample 6: La Landonne C ô te Blonde, C ô te Rosier, Les Moutonnes and Tupin. Distinct whole-bunch smoke, alongside floral aromas, bonfire and rugged, earthy notes. Really saline finish again. Tight tannins – salt, liquorice and very long. (AC)