1999 Cote Rotie Maison Rouge
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Tasting notes
A breakthrough effort for Vernay, the 1999 Cote Rotie Maison Rouge boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as sumptuous aromatics of white flowers, black raspberries, currants, and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, deep, and chewy, with noticeable oak, but oodles of fruit and concentration, it should hit its stride in 3-4 years, and last for 15. It is undoubtedly the finest Cote Rotie Vernay has yet produced. An Alain Corcia Selection, various American importers, including Charmer Industries, NY; tel. (718) 726-2500, Southern Wine and Spirits, CA; tel. (510) 487-3332, Premier Wines, CA; tel. (510) 237-6284, and Calvert Woodley Wines, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 966-4400
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Full saturated ruby. Roasted black raspberry, violet, licorice, bitter chocolate and espresso on the nose. Rather backward and dominated by its firm backbone today. But potentially the most intensely flavored and persistent Cote-Rotie from this estate in recent years. Fresh for '99; in fact, gives an impression of rather low pH. Finishes with dusty tannins and subtle length.
About the producer
A legendary name, Domaine Georges Vernay crafts some of the finest whites in the world, having championed Condrieu when it was on the brink of extinction. The estate is best known for its single-site Coteau de Vernon Condrieu and is now in the hands of the third and fourth generation of the family.