2011 Cote Rotie La Landonne
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Tasting notes
Inky ruby. Pungent red berries, potpourri and smoked meat on the highly perfumed nose. Shows deeper cherry and black raspberry character on the palate, along with notes of cola and violet pastille. The smoky quality comes back strong on the finish, which is firmed by suave, harmonious tannins. That smoky element, which adds complexity to the wine's sweet fruit, wasn't evident to me when I tasted this from barrel last year.
Critic scores
Average Score
Josh Raynolds
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Cote Rotie La Landonne offers up a deep purple color to go with serious notes of cassis, smoky oak, roasted meats and hints of espresso. Despite the oak, it stays pure and classic on the palate, with full-bodied richness, impressive mid-palate density and a terrific finish. Give it a handful of years in the cellar and enjoy it over the following decade or more. Other than a lackluster, slightly odd Condrieu, this was a brilliant lineup of wines by proprietor Jean-Michel Gerin. Farming 17 acres (organically) in Cote Rotie (mostly in the northern part of the appellation) and Condrieu, Gerin-s first vintage was in 1987. The winemaking style here is quite modern, with lots of destemming and plenty of small barrels, some of which are new. The wines show fantastic purity and also age gracefully Importer: Esprit Du Vin, Port Washington, NY; Tel. (516) 802-4758
Bright purple. Red berry liqueur and floral aromas are complicated by sexy spicecake and incense nuances. Lively and precise, with intense black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors lifted by juicy acidity. Shows very good clarity and cut on the gently tannic finish, leaving behind cherry and licorice notes.