2012 Cote Rotie Les Grandes Places

Deep violet color. Deeply pitched black and blue fruit aromas are enlivened by peppery spices and fresh flowers. Dense and palate-coating, offering concentrated cassis and blueberry flavors that stretch out and gain vivacity with air. Dusty tannins give grip to a penetrating, long finish that features suave floral pastille and berry liqueur qualities. I had the chance to revisit the 2011 Grandes Places and, as was the case last year, it's showing a surprisingly open-knit character, with sappy dark fruit and floral qualities and no rough edges. While it has the depth to suggest that up to a decade of patience would be rewarded, there's plenty going on to grab one's attention now as well.