2014 Cote Rotie

Opaque ruby. Pungent, high-pitched aromas of fresh red and dark berries, potpourri and spicecake. Picks up a smoky mineral overtone and a hint of cola as it opens up. Juicy and sharply focused on the palate, offering sappy black raspberry and cherry flavors and a deeper suggestion of candied licorice. Closes with very good clarity, spicy thrust and harmonious tannins that lend shape and gentle grip.

Leading off the current vintage in bottle and a classic Côte Rôtie that has lots of pepper, black raspberry, crushed violets, spring flowers and hints of olives, the 2014 Côte Rôtie Classique is medium-bodied, fresh, focused and lively on the palate. It shines more for its elegance and purity than power, but has beautifully purity and will keep for a decade or more.

(aged in 20% new oak): Opaque ruby. Dark berries, cherry pit, olive and smoky minerals on the expressive, spice-accented nose. Juicy, sharply focused bitter cherry and blueberry flavors show very good depth and a peppery nuance. A sexy floral pastille note comes up with air and carries through a long, youthfully tannic and mineral-driven finish.