2020 Domaine Jamet Côte-Rôtie Côte Brune

Opaque violet color. Expansive, mineral-tinged aromas of vibrant red and blue fruits, incense, bacon, olive and pungent flowers are accented by an exotic Moroccan spice nuance. At once deeply concentrated and energetic on the palate, offering intense boysenberry, black raspberry, olive paste, smoked meat, five-spice powder and violet flavors that are underscored by a core of minerality. Firmly gripping tannins build steadily through a floral- and mineral-driven finish that hangs on with resonating spiciness and outstanding tenacity.

Among all the 2020 barrels, the 2020 Cote Rotie Cote Brune stood considerably above all the others (although the Cote Blonde wasn't that far behind). Blessed with incredibly floral, potpourri-like aromatics set against a backdrop of vibrant black raspberry fruit, it's medium to full-bodied and magically rich and intense without being weighty. Enormously long on the finish, it seamlessly combines all the elements of greatness—balance, length, intensity and complexity—into one superlative wine that should drink well for at least two decades.

Cask sample tasted at the domaine. Elegance and power combined. Complex yet seductive, the aromatics leaning towards floral, violet notes. Beautifully silky texture, the tannins powerful but very fine and totally integrated in the wine. Long and poised on the finish. Less power than 2019 but can age. (JL)