1999 Cote Rotie La Landonne

The profound 1999 Cote Rotie La Landonne boasts a saturated black purple color as well as scents of graphite, truffles, smoke, bacon, blackberry, and earth. This full-bodied, muscular, powerful effort displays surprisingly sweet tannin for a wine from this terroir, along with awesome concentration, and a finish that lasts for 40+ seconds. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and enjoy it over the next 25 years. Rene Rostaing was apologetic for his 1999s, undoubtedly the greatest vintage he has ever produced. He was quick to point out that they are "atypical and too rich." Excuse me! This is Cote Rotie at its most concentrated and seductive. One of the most intelligent winemakers in Cote Rotie, Rene Rostaing continues to exhibit maturity as well as wisdom with the conditions he confronts in each vintage. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524

The profound 1999 Cote Rotie La Landonne boasts a saturated black purple color as well as scents of graphite, truffles, smoke, bacon, blackberry, and earth. This full-bodied, muscular, powerful effort displays surprisingly sweet tannin for a wine from this terroir, along with awesome concentration, and a finish that lasts for 40+ seconds.

Saturated deep ruby color. Port-like aromas of kirsch and game; I was reminded of a grand cru Gevrey from a very ripe year. Huge and dense in the mouth, with more volume to buffer its alcohol than the basic release. A bit dumb today, showing a slightly sauvage flavor of sweet black cherries. Finishes with big, soft tannins and very good length.