2004 Cote Rotie Blonde du Seigneur
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Tasting notes
Smoked meats, beautiful mushy fruit with a truffle and mushroom funk to the palate. Still quite firmly structured – in fact, shows more tannic fizz than the 2012. The floral quality of its youth has faded into a dark chocolate, liquorice and leather character. Supreme – lengthy and intense and wonderfully balanced. Somehow a cross between the very best Rioja and Burgundy – with some Barolo thrown in too. What’s not to like?! (RH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
(aged in 30% new oak) Bright red. Floral, peppery aromas of raspberry and wild strawberry perked up by a zesty mineral tone. Elegant flavors of sweet red berries, apricot and subtle smoked meat are supported by silky tannins. Finishes racy, sweet and long. This is from the lieu-dit Lancement and includes 8% viognier.
(raised entire in barriques, 30% new; includes 10% viognier) Bright violet. Spicy, youthfully vibrant aromas of peppery dark fruits, floral oils and candied licorice. Fresh and lively on the palate, with flavors of bitter cherry and espresso. The spicy finish features a chewy texture and building notes of dark chocolate and espresso.
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.