1991 Cote Rotie La Mordoree
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Tasting notes
A bottle that's almost impossible to find in the market today (under 400 cases were produced), the 1991 Côte Rotie La Mordorée comes from a blend of the Côte Blonde and Côte Brune lieux-dits. Still youthfully ruby-hued with very little bricking, it has a sweet perfume of classic mature Côte Rôtie red and black fruits, flowery incense, spice, and subtle meaty, almost bloody nuances. Perfectly balanced, layered, and medium to full-bodied, it shows utter seduction on the palate, with resolved tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. The 1991 vintage is one of those under-the-radar vintages that was slightly more successful in the northern part of the Northern Rhône than the south, and this is drinking at point today. It should continue evolving gracefully for another two decades, yet there's no need to delay gratification. Drink 2026-2046.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Magnum. Very dark blackish maroon. Concentrated, pure, very direct perfume with a hint of smoked bacon, and lots of pure, still quite youthful fruit. Very refreshing. Liquorice and lots of black things. But no obvious oak and a brisk mineral finish. Persistent. (JR)
In the same class as the great single-vineyard Cote Roties made by Marcel Guigal (i.e., La Mouline, La Turque, and La Landonne), La Mordoree is most akin to La Mouline in its seductive, otherworldly fragrance and layers of sweet, expansive, velvety-textured fruit. There were 400 cases made of this saturated purple-colored wine. Its huge bouquet and spectacularly rich, layered personality offer an astonishing example of what low yields from a naturally farmed vineyard and an unfined, unfiltered winemaking philosophy can achieve. Anticipated maturity: now-2020. Last tasted 7/96.