2015 Cote Rotie Les Roziers

(25% new oak) Bright purple. Vibrant blackberry, cola and smoky mineral aromas are complemented by an exotic spice accent. Deeply concentrated, palate-staining black and blue fruit liqueur flavors show excellent depth and clarity, and hints of star anise and olive build in the glass. Sweet, spicy and seamless on the extremely long, incisive finish, which echoes the blue fruit note and gains shape from gentle, harmonious tannins.

Similarly purple-colored, the 2015 Côte Rôtie Côte Rozier offers more minerality as well as hints of oak, in its ripe black raspberry-like fruits, spice, and dried flower aromas and flavors. It’s a ripe, sexy, polished Côte Rôtie that will drink nicely for 10-15 years. All three of these Côte Rôties from Bonnefond showed beautifully. While the Côte Rozier and Les Rochains have a touch of obvious oak, they have classic, age-worthy profiles.

This vineyard gets the morning sun, giving the wines a floral character. Deep crimson. Crackling raciness on the nose – a light touch. Great balance and energy with admirable transparency. Real lift. Dry sinewy end. (JR)