13% abv. Tupin-Semons, imported by Fass Selections, Irvine, CA and Vinaturel. Cork closure: natural. Biodynamic calendar: flower day.
Winemaking notes: 90% Syrah and Serine & 10% Viognier, grown organically, from old vines planted in 1902 and some younger vines planted in 2005 grown on granite and schist soils with glacier sand and gneiss. “10 % From the mica schist of the Côte Brune in Verenay, 90 % from the Côte Blonde with soils of gneiss, sand and limestone. In the cellar there is a cool pre-fermentation for 24 hours, then there is a cool macération carbonique with styles and stems. Finally, half of the wine is aged in used wood and half in stainless steel. A minimal amount of sulfur is used at bottling.”
Tasting note: the Côte-Rôtie is deep garnet in color with hints of faded purple and has a funky nose of medium+ intensity aromas of violet, boysenberry, black plum, smoke, leather, game, sous bois, horse sweat, white pepper, sage and marjoram. On the palate this wine is dry with medium+ acid, high tannin, medium alcohol, medium+ body, pronounced flavor intensity and a medium+ finish with flavors of violet, lavender, damson, Japanese plum, mirabelle, boysenberry, leather, cedar, duck fat, cedar, white pepper and dried sage leaf. Drink now through 2032, this wine is outstanding: 9.6/10. A bit on the natural side, but in a very good way and with some lovely fruit and structural elements that are wonderfully balanced.