2021 Cote Rotie Neve
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Tasting notes
This tiny 1.5-hectare single-vineyard plot is planted on the schist part of Côte-Rôtie, bringing both a spiciness and floral lift to the wine. The wine has an enticing sweet-toned nose with milk chocolate and vanilla aromas that contrast perfectly with more ferric, bloodied tones. The wine on the palate is distinctly fragrant, almost Pinot-Noir-esque in its aromatic lift. The tannins are finely etched and seductive. A touch of astringency to the tannins also brings a racy freshness to the wine. It is excellent. It is hard to believe this is just 13% alcohol, given the impressive, rich feel on the palate.
Critic scores
Average Score
Alistair Cooper MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Cote Rotie Neve features aromas of violets and crushed stone, a lovely array of flowers, blueberries and raspberries. It's just medium-bodied, a bit harder and more tart than the Mordorée bottling, finishing with boysenberry and cranberry notes and some tea-like tannins.
One of top wines in the vintage, the 2021 Côte Rôtie Nève comes from a single lieu-dit in the northern part of the appellation and was 85% destemmed and brought up in 30% new barrels. Gorgeous redcurrant and black raspberry-like fruit, spring flowers, and lots of minerality define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied on the palate, with ripe, firm yet polished tannins, beautiful balance, and a great finish. Give it a few years and it should keep for 15 years or so. This was another fabulous tasting with Michel Chapoutier and his team, and it continues to be one of the highlight tastings I do in a year. The portfolio is massive, so there’s certainly something in here for everyone. Looking at the 2021s, I was able to retaste a handful of the flagship whites, and these appear to have shut down slightly. I wouldn’t touch bottles for another 3-5 years. The reds are leaner and focused, but balanced, and certainly impeccably made. However, the 2022s continue to trend here, starting around 2017 or 2018, toward fresher, lighter wines, both with the reds and whites. In addition, they’re all experimenting with whole cluster fermentations, which works beautifully in the wines I was able to taste.
The medium-bodied 2021 Côte-Rôtie Neve cannot keep up with the more enticing 2022 rendition. Nonetheless, it offers up delicious raspberry, orange blossom, red cherry and earthy nuances. Lean and athletic, the 2021 is built on gentle tannins and concludes with freshness on the moderately long finish.