2007 Cote Rotie Cote Brune

Glass-staining ruby. Subtly complex aromas of dark berries, cherry-cola, brown spices, licorice and smoked meat. Sweeter and lusher than the previous two wines, conveying an impression of riper fruit and greater depth. Spreads out nicely on the close, finishing with ripe tannins, impressive length and lingering notes of tarragon and cracked pepper.

The outstanding 2007 Cote Rotie Cote Brune possesses a dark ruby/purple color along with an attractive bouquet of grilled herbs, scorched earth, black cherries, and black currants. Deep, medium to full-bodied, long, and robust with the distinctive earthy, leathery character of this estate well-displayed. The 2006 offerings performed better from bottle than they did last year from cask. (Not yet released) Barges also has a new offering (not yet named) from the southern part of the Cote Rotie appellation, and he is in the process of replanting a sector on the Cote Blonde. I tasted this cuvee in 2007. It has about 7% Viognier co-fermented, and it reveals the potential to be outstanding. I will wait until it is in bottle to provide a full review. Importer: A Christopher Cannan Selection, various American importers including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, and Diamond Wine Merchants, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 567-9897