2016 Domaine René Rostaing Côte-Rôtie Côte Blonde

Lastly, the 2016 Côte Rôtie Côte Blonde is more seamless and elegant, with a more perfumed, pretty style in its red and black raspberry fruits, crushed flowers, game, violets, and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, ethereal, seamless, and incredibly polished, it has building tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. Where the La Landonne is all meat and smoke, this is floral and red fruit-driven. Hide bottles for 2-4 years and enjoy over the following 15-20. I loved the 2016s from barrel from the young Pierre Rostaing and they didn’t disappoint from bottle. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find bottles of the Côte Brune and la Viallière (they didn’t show the wines at the domaine and I purchased bottles locally) but I’ve no doubt they’re brilliant wines as well. I suspect the 2017s will eclipse the 2016s.

The 2016 Cote Rotie La Cote Blonde (from the lieu-dit of the same name—not a blend of sites) is a terrific effort. It blends the structure of la Viallière with the elegance of la Landonne, making it a truly complete and compelling bottle. Some mocha, black olive and meaty notes lend it a savory cast, while the palate is creamy and concentrated, firm but silky. It's medium to full-bodied, with a fine, licorice-tinged finish that lingers a good long time. It should drink well for 20+ years.