2016 Cote Rotie Lieu Dit Montmain
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Tasting notes
Coming all from the schist soils in the Côte Brune side of the appellation, the 2016 Côte Rôtie Lieu Dit Montmain was destemmed, vinified all in concrete tanks and spent 14 months in 15% new French oak. Deep purple-colored, it offers a vibrant bouquet of black raspberries, violets, incense, and hints of game. Silky, elegant, and just straight up seamless on the palate, it hits all the right spots and finishes with terrific length. This is haute couture at its finest and will drink well for 10-15 years or more. I feel as though my ratings on the wines of Ferraton go up every year, and these 2016s are another brilliant, incredibly consistent lineup from this team. It’s worth mentioning that Ferraton is run by Michel Chapoutier. However, they have a separate, designated winemaking team. The only drawback to these wines is that, by and large, they’re made in tiny quantities.
Critic scores
Average Score
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Smoky campfire notes and hints of mocha lead off the 2016 Cote Rotie Lieu-Dit Montmain. A medium to full-bodied effort, it's silky and expansive on the palate, boasting lovely harmony and finesse, yet it's not lacking concentration or berry fruit. It should drink well for a decade or more.
Deep bright-rimmed ruby. Smoke- and mineral-accented aromas of dark fruit liqueur, olive paste, licorice and cracked pepper. Palate-staining, spice-inflected black currant and bitter cherry liqueur flavors become deeper and sweeter with air. Delivers a very serious punch but comes off graceful, finishing with excellent persistence and supple, slow-building tannins.
Gentle nose without much fruit concentration. Fine tannin, simple spiciness. Not likely to wow anyone, but it's recognisably Syrah, at least. (RH)