2017 Cote Rotie Maison Rouge
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Tasting notes
The flagship Côte Rôtie, the 2017 Côte Rôtie Maison Rouge comes from a lieu-dit in the southern part of the appellation, and this terroir always yields a more finesse-driven, elegant style of wine. Gorgeous black raspberry, spring flowers, bay leaf, sandalwood, and exotic spice notes characterize this rich, full-bodied, beautifully textured Côte Rôtie. With sweet yet present tannins, an expansive mouthfeel, and integrated oak, this stunning, young, unevolved 2017 will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for 15 years or more.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
From 50-year-old vines on a slope too steep to mechanise. Grapes partially destemmed. Fermented in barrel for three to four weeks and then sged for 24 months in oak (30% new). Christine Vernay introduced this to the range. Deep luminous crimson. The nervy tingle of great northern Rhône Syrah with the finesse of Côte Rôtie. A certain inkiness plus delicacy will surely ensure a long life. Very delicate and lively, it could be enjoyed already – amazingly. A delicate hand but more tannic than the Blonde du Seigneur.. A very different style from, say, Guigal. Salty and refreshing par excellence. (JR)
Shimmering purple. A strongly scented bouquet evokes ripe red and blue fruits, pungent wisteria, licorice and exotic spices, along with a smoky mineral quality and a hint of black pepper. Broad and fleshy but lively on the palate, offering concentrated Chambord, cherry, cassis and fruitcake flavors that are enlivened by building spice and floral accents. Smooth, steadily building tannins add shape to an extremely persistent finish that echoes the spice and floral notes. One-third whole clusters and one-third new oak.
About the producer
A legendary name, Domaine Georges Vernay crafts some of the finest whites in the world, having championed Condrieu when it was on the brink of extinction. The estate is best known for its single-site Coteau de Vernon Condrieu and is now in the hands of the third and fourth generation of the family.