13% abv, Jean-Michel Stephan, Tupin-Semons, imported by Vinatural & Fass Selections, Irvine, CA. Cork closure: natural. Biodynamic calendar: root day.
Winemaking notes: 45% Sérine, 45% Syrah & 10% Viognier grown organically on granite and gneiss rock with a glacier sand soils topsoil. The 1.7ha vineyard is the most southerly in the appellation and is from very old vines planted in 1892 and 1902. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 24 months in used French oak barrels. The wine is free of additives and SO2 and only an spritz of sulfur is added at bottling.
Tasting note: the Côte-Rôtie is deep garnet with hints of purple and a clean nose of medium+ intensity with aromas of lavender, violet, blackberry, black plum, mulberry, smoke, leather, espresso beans, cream, bacon fat, clove, garrigue and herbs de Provence. On the palate this wine is dry with medium+ acid, medium+ tannin, medium alcohol, full body, pronounced flavor intensity and a medium+ finish with flavors of violet, blackberry, mulberry, plum, smoke, cedar, dried apricot, bacon fat, smoked duck, earl grey tea, crushed walnuts, toasted chestnut, anise, clove, white pepper and herbs de Provence. Drink now through 2029, this Syrah from the Northern Rhône Valley is outstanding: 9.7/10.